Tuesday 23 July 2019

What are the different types of diabetes?

AMRI Hospitals explain, Type 1 diabetes (lack of insulin) and type 2 diabetes (ineffective use of insulin) are the most common types of diabetes, followed by gestational diabetes – a form of diabetes that occurs in some women during pregnancy. Monogenic diabetes, which is an inherited form of diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes are some less common types.

Type 1 diabetes: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is more common in children and young adults although it can occur at any age. In this type of diabetes, patients need to take insulin every day to survive.

The signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include-

Excessive thirst
Weight loss
Frequent urination
Constant hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Irritability or mood changes
The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is not known, however, experts believe this condition develops when your immune system, which is responsible for fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses, attacks and damages your insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. So, Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Type 1 diabetes has no cure, and with current knowledge, the condition is not preventable. However, treatment along with lifestyle changes can help manage blood sugar levels and prevent complications.

2. Type 2 diabetes: Symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention

In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin effectively, causing a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high. It can happen at any age, including during childhood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and mostly affect the middle-aged and older people, hence, previously known as adult-onset diabetes. However, the condition is now prevalent in younger adults as well.

The signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are similar to those of Type 1 diabetes, but often develop slowly and can be so mild, hence, many people with the condition learn about their status once complications have already arisen. Symptoms may include:

Unintended weight loss
Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Fatigue
Always feeling hungry
Blurry vision
Slow healing of cuts and wounds
Frequent infections
Patches of dark skin, usually on the creases of the neck, armpit, or groin
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a number of factors, including insulin resistance, excess body weight, genes, not exercising, etc. Having high blood pressure is also linked to an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to manage, prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Healthy lifestyle choices – such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, cutting back on calories and losing weight if you’re overweight, avoiding tobacco use – can go a long way toward preventing and managing this condition. Even if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes, taking prescribed medicines, keeping blood sugar in check, and making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent complications.

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