The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a life-long disease which is often started with a devastating diagnosis. While everyone with diabetes needs to be making many changes in their life, the management of Type 1 verses Type 2 diabetes is very different. The body reacts differently between the two types and treatment varies greatly. In this article I will explain how Type 1 Diabetes is different from Type 2 Diabetes and how they are treated. Read on for more information on this life long disease that affects millions of Americans.

Type 1 Diabetes is the less common type of this disease. Out of 10 people living with diabetes, only 1 of them will have Type 1. Type 1 Diabetes is an insulin dependent disease which is normally diagnosed in a person before they are 30. The disease is usually rapidly onset. The person usually has some mild to severe symptoms. These symptoms include: a greater thirst, urinating more often, sudden weight loss with no reason, being hungry more often, weakness and fatigue. Persons who are affected with Type 1 Diabetes will be dependent on insulin for the rest of their life to control the disease.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of Diabetes affecting Americans today. Type 2 Diabetes is most commonly diagnosed after age 40 and most often affects those people who are overweight. Type 2 Diabetics are not insulin dependent at the start, although the disease can reach that point. Most commonly persons with Type 2 Diabetes can control their health by diet and exercise. Symptoms develop very slowly and may not even be noticeable. Often this disease is discovered during an annual physical, or when you are ill. The diagnosis is often a surprise and then once the diagnosis is made, the patient can look back into their past and see the symptoms that were there only they didn't really notice. Some symptoms include: thirst, urinating often, vision blurred, infections of the skin, and bladder, sores that don't heal, being irritable, and tingling in the extremities such as your hands and feet. If you have these symptoms you should never ignore them, but see your physician immediately.

Living with diabetes is a constant juggling act. Proper diet and exercise must be monitored always. Here are some tips to live effectively with this disease. Diet is so important. Sticking to a schedule will help your body adjust to changing blood sugar levels. Eating at the same time everyday will maintain blood sugars more effectively than eating whenever you are hungry or when it is convenient. A diet high in fiber is very important to the diabetic. Fiber rich foods will help your body's blood levels remain constant as the digestion process is slower. Protein should be consumed in moderation. Kidneys must work hard to process the waste your body creates from protein rich foods. Foods that are high in fat should also be limited in a diabetic diet. Alcohol should not be consumed regularly, and only in moderation when consumed.

Watching your weight can also help manage diabetes. Excessive weight puts a large burden on your body. By loosing excess weight, your body can focus on maintaining health more efficiently. It is very important to exercise. By exercising your body will improve circulation and control blood sugar.

If you have diabetes it is very important to check your blood sugar level very often. By knowing where your levels are, you can more effectively manage the disease. Avoiding carbohydrates when your sugar levels are high is the key to living with diabetes. You never want to consume so much sugar that your blood levels reach a dangerously high level. When a diabetic person's blood sugar reaches too high, the person can often go into a diabetic coma. This is obviously one experience you never want to go through.

When you are diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel completely overwhelmed and in despair. The good new is that diabetes is one of the most effectively managed diseases that affect Americans today. With some knowledge and good health practices you will be able to manage your health so that you can live just as you did before your diabetes diagnosis.

Source: Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care, Philip T. Hagen M. D., copyright 1999