What Are The Differences Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

The causes of Type 1 and Type 2 are quite different.Type 1 cannot be prevented - there is nothing that a person can do "wrong" to provoke the body to develop Type 1.Type 2, however, is generally thought to be preventable, although it can also be genetic.Type 2 may develop as the result of obesity or high blood pressure.Although most Type 2 sufferers are adults, there has recently been a rise in the number of young people diagnosed with this type of diabetes.The rise is often attributed to the increased rates of obesity among youths.The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are usually very severe.A child will suddenly become extremely sick and weak, experience increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach and abdominal pain, and excessive fatigue.Such symptoms require immediate medical attention, usually hospitalization.Type 2, on the other hand, is often diagnosed before any symptoms are present.A routine physical is often what reveals that someone has Type 2.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are treated in very different ways.Type 2 can often be managed through developing a healthier lifestyle; eating better, reducing sugar and carbohydrate consumption, and doing regular exercise will often be all it takes to manage the condition.Some Type 2 diabetics take oral medications as well, and a few even require insulin injections.Beginning a weight loss program is vital to obese diabetics.Type 1 diabetes cannot be managed so easily.Insulin injections, often multiple times daily, combined with a regimented diet, exercise and foot care, are all essential components to treating this type.Meals have to be planned with insulin regulation in mind.It is essential that Type 1 diabetics diligently keep track of their blood sugar levels by taking blood tests regularly.

While there are clearly many differences between the two types of diabetes, there are also many similarities.Both types put sufferers at risk for a plethora of latent health problems, such as kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, leg amputation and partial paralysis. That is why it so essential for diabetics to educate themselves continually about treatment options.Advancements in the medical community have made managing diabetes much easier than it used to be.My sister was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 13 months old - about 24 years ago.She used to have much bulkier blood-glucose equipment, and the machines required more than just a tiny drop of blood like today's testing machines.Despite the strides that have been made, the most important factor has always been a sufferer's willingness to be accountable and responsible once they discover that they are diabetic.