Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body’s way of regulating glucose or blood sugar. Glucose feeds the cells so they have the energy to function, and insulin is necessary for glucose to enter the cells. With diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or resists it.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to chronically high levels of blood sugar that may lead to complications and put your life in danger.
Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes involves the pancreas not producing enough insulin in the body. It’s also possible that you don’t produce insulin at all. Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t respond to insulin production well.
While the cause may vary depending on the type of diabetes you have, the symptoms are usually similar between the two. These symptoms can take time (from a few months to years) before surfacing. Since these symptoms are similar to other health conditions’ symptoms, it is vital to undergo blood sugar testing if you suspect you have diabetes.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
- Blurred vision
Type 1 Diabetes
With type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, thus rendering it unable to produce enough insulin for the body. Insulin is essential to ensuring blood sugar levels remain normal and the body maintains normal metabolic function. Without insulin, blood sugar can build up in the bloodstream since it won’t be able to get into the cells. It causes high blood sugar that can damage the body and may result in complications.
This autoimmune condition can either be congenital or may develop during childhood or adulthood with a trigger. Toxins, a viral or bacterial infection, or genetic predisposition can trigger this condition.
Risk Factors
- Family History and Genetics. The presence of certain genes or having an immediate family member with the condition increases your risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes can appear in childhood or adulthood. However, the age groups most diagnosed with the condition are those between 4 and 7 years old and 10 and 14 years old.
Type 2 Diabetes
Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes is a condition caused mainly by lifestyle factors that cause insulin resistance. These include smoking, obesity, high sugar and carbohydrate diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms often develop slowly and affect the normal metabolic function of the body.
While the body still produces insulin, it’s unable to use it efficiently to perform its function. Since the body cannot use insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels. Aside from lifestyle factors, experts also blame genetic and environmental factors for the development of type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors
Lifestyle factors are the primary cause of type 2 diabetes. The following are risk factors:
- Being obese or overweight
- Prediabetes
- Have an immediate family with the condition
- Being age 45 years old or above
- Physical inactivity
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Being Hispanic, Black, American Indian, and Asian-American
Lowering the Risk of Diabetes
You can’t prevent type 1 diabetes. However, it is possible to lower the risk of complications through proper disease management. On the other hand, lifestyle changes can delay or reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Always maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, work with your provider to develop a weight-loss plan.
- Be active and engage in physical activities.
- Eat a balanced diet. Reduce your sugar and processed food intake.
Managing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Denton and Frisco, Texas
If you think you may be at risk for diabetes, consulting your doctor should be your first response. Type 1 and 2 diabetes can lead to severe and even fatal conditions if not managed properly. At Star Medical Associates, we help patients manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and we would love to help get you to your best health.
Our primary care provider, Dr. Rani Anbarasu, has a patient-centered approach in providing treatment for diabetes. Regular monitoring is crucial to chronic disease management, and you can rely on Dr. Anbarasu and our team to help you.
To schedule a consultation, you can call (940) 382-6900 for our Denton office or (469) 301-2300 if you’re in Frisco. For your convenience, you can also request an appointment online.
