Similarities between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Similarities between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

There are many differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes – namely how and why a
person gets the disease.  But there are also similarities.  They include how the disease is
treated and diabetic diets that are followed. 

Once diabetes is diagnosed it is no longer really a matter of why but how to manage it. 
Whether it is type 1 diabetes and enough insulin is not being produced or it is type 2
diabetes and the insulin that is being produced is not being utilized the solution is to
provide more insulin to the body.  This is most commonly done with an insulin injection
in the morning or spaced out over the course of the day with multiple injections.  That
will be determined on the individual and their insulin needs – not which type of diabetes
they have.

It used to be that type 1 diabetes was found in children or young adults under the age of
25 and type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in adults over the age of 40.  There have been
many cases to the contrary proving that anyone may be at risk of being diagnosed with
type 1 or type 2 diabetes – adults have been diagnosed with type 1 and young children
have been found to have type 2 diabetes.

The management of either type of diabetes is also dependent on a healthy diet and regular
exercise.  By maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping active a person can reduce
their insulin requirements and keep their blood sugars in a safe range (set by their doctor).

Despite the different reasons for having diabetes, the two types are very similar in other
ways and the treatment plan that works does so for both.  Another common trait they
share is the complications that can arise to internal organs (especially the kidneys). As with any medical concerns always consult your doctor.

Hypoglycemia and Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Hypoglycemia and Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) will cause long-term
damage to your body.  But hypoglycemia, low blood sugars, can cause immediate
harmful effects including a diabetic coma.  It is important to be able to recognize the
signs when your blood sugar is too low and to carry emergency supplies to rectify the
situation.

People will react and show different symptoms when their blood glucose levels are too
low.  They can include some or all of the following:

*    Feeling hungry
*    Feeling nervous or panicked
*    Feeling light-headed or dizzy
*    Weakness or lethargy (wanting to go to sleep)
*    You may be confused, having difficulty speaking or stringing thoughts together.
*    

Once you have experienced hypoglycemia a few times you will begin to recognize the
signals your body will give you when you need more food in your body.  It is important
to check you blood sugar with your monitor and have something right away that will act
immediately to raise your blood sugars.  Hard candies or glucose tablets work fast and are
easy to have on you at all times.  In case you are not able to help yourself, carry
something that identifies you as a diabetic and instructions of what to do and who to call
if you need assistance.

Once you have eaten something, test your blood sugar again in 15 minutes to make sure
that it is going back to a normal range.  You will want to have a snack or a meal too as
the burst of sugar will not be long lasting.  

By eating small and frequent meals every two to three hours you can lessen the chances
of having hyperglycemia. Another safety precaution that should be taken includes eating
prior to exercising and afterwards to keep up your energy level. Always seek medical advice if you have any doubts.

Getting Pregnant when you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Getting Pregnant when you have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

There is no reason that you can not get pregnant and have a healthy baby because you are
diabetic.  But there are precautions and preparations that should be taken to provide a
healthy pregnancy for both you and your unborn baby.

Before you try to become pregnant, you should have a discussion with your doctor to let
him or her know your plans.  They will review your medical history and give you advice
on the best way to proceed or if you should wait.

The reason you would be asked to wait is if your Hemoglobin A1C test results were high.  
Even though a reading of less than seven is considered good diabetic control it is better to
have a lower number (around six) for the best chance at a healthy start.  The reason it is
so important to have good blood glucose control before you get pregnant is because of a
reduction in the chance of your baby being born with birth defects.

The first six weeks of pregnancy are when the baby’s internal organs are just starting to
form.  If they are exposed to high blood sugar levels during this time it is highly likely
the baby will be born with birth defects or other complications.

But once you have the go ahead from the doctor to try and conceive you will still need
strict control over your diabetes.  Your insulin requirements while you are pregnant are
going to increase as the placenta releases a hormone that can block insulin production.  If
you follow the diet provided by your doctor and remain healthy during your pregnancy
your insulin requirements will most likely return to normal once the baby is born.

Mothers who have diabetes will still have regular pregnancies and can breast feed once
their babies are born.

What is Type 2 Diabetes

What is Type 2 Diabetes

Where type 1 diabetics do not produce enough insulin for their body, type 2 diabetics
produce the insulin but their bodies are not make proper use of it.  Type 2 diabetes has
been linked to lifestyle choices as a large number of people who are diagnosed are
considered overweight or obese.  The extra weight a person carries around can make it
hard for the body to process insulin properly.

Some additional risk factors for being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes include a family
connections (a first or second generation family member) and race.  Even with these risk
factors present a person can prevent out put-off a diagnosis off type 2 diabetes by losing
weight, eating a healthy diet, and plenty of physical activity. 

Type 2 diabetes has in the past been diagnosed in patients over the age of 40 but in recent
years people of all ages have been diagnosed with this disease.  There is an alarming
number of young children who are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are obese.

People who have not yet been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may exhibit some of these
symptoms:  Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and skin infections.   Moodiness and
irritability may also be a symptom of diabetes but is usually not one that precipitates a
trip to the doctor and is later explained by high or low blood sugar levels.  Other warning
signs for type 2 diabetes are the same as type 1 diabetes such as an increased need to
urinate, a desire to drink more and a feel of lethargy or constant tiredness.

Type 2 diabetics have a range of options for treatment depending on personal preference
and their individual needs in contrast to type 1 diabetics whose only option is to go on
insulin injections or an insulin pump. Always be vigilant for the signs or symptoms of diabetes.

The Perception of Type 1 Diabetes versus Type 2 Diabetes

The Perception of Type 1 Diabetes versus Type 2 Diabetes

It is essentially the same disease in how it affects a person’s body but they are completely
different in how they develop.  In most news and media reports, diabetes is linked with
obesity and it is claimed that if more people lost weight or became more active the
number of people diagnosed would drop.  

These reports can be upsetting to a diabetic with type 1 diabetes, it doesn’t matter what
there body type is, was, or will be they will always have the disease.  There may be some
animosity from type 1 diabetics towards type 2 diabetics but this would be misplaced –
the media is creating this by not telling the full story.

Yes, type 2 diabetes is intertwined with lifestyle choices and being overweight.  This is
an epidemic that can be avoided.  But not all people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are
considered obese or to be living an unhealthy lifestyle.

Another problem with the misconception about type 1 diabetics is that they make up a
very small amount of the people diagnosed with the disease (approximately 10% of all
diabetics are type 1).  They are not getting as much attention in the news and reports
because it is not a growing concern like type 2 diabetes.

It is hard to be diabetic and read the news as it paints type 2 diabetics as people who
should just lose weight and they wouldn’t have a problem.  But it should be noted that
there are many people who are overweight and obese who do not have diabetes and the
opposite is true too – people who maintain a healthy body weight are being diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes.

It is important to remember that not all the information is being provided and that there
are many reasons and people who get this disease and they should not be judged because
of it.

What are the Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

What are the Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

To an outsider, the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be confusing.  
They are both similar disease that require insulin in order to manage the diabetes and
have a properly functioning body.  But where it gets confusing is the reason why the two
different types of diabetics need the insulin and which one has different treatment
options.

Type 1 diabetes is not about lifestyle choices or a person’s weight; when a person is born
their genetic make-up already make it likely they are going to be diagnosed with type 1
diabetes.  In most cases the diabetes is diagnosed in childhood and that is why it is
referred to as juvenile diabetes.  Type 1 diabetics will have a choice of daily insulin
injections (sometimes more) or an insulin pump that provides a steady supply of insulin
to the body.  An insulin pump also has the ability to provide a bolus (extra insulin) before
meal times or when needed.  Type 1 diabetes can be managed by the options available for
treatment is limited.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity and hereditary factors.  In the majority of people who
are diagnosed they have a close family member who has diabetes (a parent, grandparent,
or a sibling) and they are typically overweight or obese.  There are choices available to
people with type 2 diabetes in how it is treated.  It can be controlled by diet, oral
medication, or insulin injections.  The choice will be made with the help of your doctor
and the severity of your disease.  If you get your diabetes under control it is entirely
possible that you can downgrade your treatment method (from insulin injections to oral
medication).

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are two diseases with the same name but they develop in very
different ways. It would be wise to be aware of the signs of these types of diabetes.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the body is still producing insulin but it is not being utilized properly. 
This is known as insulin resistance.  When a person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,
there are more treatment options available to them as opposed to people diagnosed with
type 1 diabetes.

Depending on the blood sugar levels in a patient, their weight and other health factors,
the doctor will decide your appropriate treatment for type 2 diabetes.

*    Diet and exercise – a healthy balanced diet with regular exercise can be used for
people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels are only
slightly elevated
*    Oral medication – is for patients whose blood sugars are higher than they should
be but not to the point that necessitates an injection of insulin
*    Insulin injections – a daily injection (or more) of insulin is needed when higher
blood sugars are present

A type 2 diabetic may cycle through the different treatment methods for type 2 diabetes throughout their
lifetime.  It is based on how well they are managing their diabetes and how their body is
reacting to the treatment plan.  Some people will never have to go past the diet and
exercise portion and can gain control by maintaining a healthy body weight and eating
the right foods on a diabetic diet.

Other people may start at diet and exercise but as the disease progresses may have to
move from oral medication to injections over time.  These changes will be determined by
your doctor based on physical check-ups and the results of your daily blood sugar
monitoring.  If you would like to cut back on your medication or the type of treatment
you are on, speak to your doctor about your goal and a plan can be put in place to better
manage your diabetes. Never alter your treatment methods without professional advice.

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