What is the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes? Find out more and visit a Link pharmacy for a quick blood sugar screening.
The Cleveland Clinic describes the main difference as the body:
- Doesn’t make any insulin (type 1 diabetes).
- Has difficulty using the insulin it produces effectively (type 2 diabetes).
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder caused by an overactive immune system. Your body doesn’t produce insulin because your immune system attacks your insulin-making cells.
People with type 2 diabetes do produce insulin, at least at first. But their bodies don’t use insulin effectively (insulin resistance). If you have type 2 diabetes, it does not follow that it will progress to type 1 diabetes as each has different causes, but it still needs to be treated and monitored.
In both instances, lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and being active, are necessary. However, the Mayo Clinic confirms that type 1 diabetes – which surfaces during childhood – cannot be cured, and apart from diet and exercise, patients will need ongoing insulin treatment to manage this chronic condition.
Symptoms of the two diabetes types can be similar and may include:
- Feeling thirstier than usual
- Frequent urinating
- Bed-wetting in children
- Feeling very hungry
- Losing weight without trying to
- Feeling irritable and experiencing mood changes
- Feeling tired and weak
- Experiencing blurry vision and headaches
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may present slowly and subtly without symptoms being immediately obvious. This being the case, it’s a good idea to ask your Link pharmacist to check your sugar levels. It’s a quick and inexpensive screening which will encourage you to maintain your healthy lifestyle if your sugar level is good, or refer you to your doctor if your sugar levels need management.
References:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/type-1-vs-type-2-diabetes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
https://www.mnilifestyle.co.za/conditions/type-2-diabetes/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22781358476&gbraid=