Diabetes comes in two main types - type 1 and type 2. Both are indicative of high blood sugar but differ in how this happens. Read on to find out the differences and how to identify the condition. Show
by Lorraine Bunag, R.N. Make Home Care Personal To Your Loved One Get a Free Care ConsultContents Category Chronic ConditionsTags diabetes About the Writer Lorraine Bunag, R.N. Lorraine is a registered nurse who spends most of her time writing informative articles on health and wellness. At the end of the day, she relaxes by reading a book or watching documentaries about unsolved mysteries. The hallmark concern for people with diabetes (also known as hyperglycaemia) – be it type 1 or type 2 – is high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia, but what are the similarities and differences between the two? For us to more effectively explain their similarities and differences, we need to first understand the following concepts:
In normal circumstances, the amount of insulin we produce is relative to our blood sugar levels. While our pancreas continually secretes small amounts of insulin, it adjusts accordingly and will release more insulin if it detects high amounts of glucose in the blood (such as after meals). With these fundamental concepts, we’ll be better able to differentiate between the causes, symptoms, and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Causes and Risk FactorsFirst, let’s learn about the causes and risk factors: why does someone develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes? What factors increase our risk of having the conditions? What Causes Type 1 Diabetes?The exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unclear, but according to experts, it is usually an autoimmune condition. Our immune system is designed to protect us by fighting off foreign bodies such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. When someone has an autoimmune condition, their immune system mistakes their own healthy cells for foreign bodies and attacks them. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas which are responsible for producing insulin. As a result, the body has little to no insulin. The exact trigger for this autoimmune reaction is yet to be discovered, but reports say that genetics and environmental factors like viral infections can trigger the condition. Risk FactorsBesides the possibility of an autoimmune condition, your risk of developing type 1 diabetes may be higher due to the following risk factors:
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It usually happens due to insulin resistance, a condition where our cells do not “recognise” insulin. In other words, people with type 2 diabetes have no problems producing insulin; what happens is the fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond well to the hormone, leading to the glucose’s inability to enter the cells. As the cells do not recognise insulin, the pancreas will compensate by producing more insulin. Over time, the pancreas will no longer be able to keep up, and it, too, will not be able to produce enough insulin. The exact reason why insulin resistance occurs is unknown, but it could be due to a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Risk FactorsThe following factors may increase an individual’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
Besides these risk factors, certain medical conditions also predispose a person to type 2 diabetes. These health conditions are as follows:
Signs and SymptomsNow that we know about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes regarding their causes and risk factors, let’s discuss the symptoms. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes produce similar signs and symptoms, with only minimal differences. What are the Common Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?The following symptoms are present in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
What are the Differences in Symptoms between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?While type 1 and type 2 have largely similar signs and symptoms, the manners by which they appear are different. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually occur while the individual is still young (although it is important to keep in mind that a person can develop it at any age). Furthermore, type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly, often in a matter of weeks. On the other hand, symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually do not show up until individuals are in their 40s or older. Additionally, the signs and symptoms typically develop slowly in years. In fact, since the symptoms are mild at first, the condition tends to go unnoticed and undiagnosed for many years until they face a pressing, related concern, such as blurry vision or wounds that do not heal. TreatmentFor the most part, the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes remains the same but may require different medications. What are the Medications for Types 1 Diabetes?When someone is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he or she will most certainly receive insulin therapy. In this treatment, insulin will be administered either through injections or a pump. Insulin medications are categorised based on how soon they work and how long their effect lasts. Short-acting and rapid-acting insulin mimic how our pancreas releases insulin during mealtimes. Meanwhile, long-acting and intermediate insulin mimics how the pancreas continually secretes small amounts of insulin. Insulin injection requires the patient to be attentive as they may need to inject different kinds of insulin at specific times within the day. While most individuals are able to manage the injection on their own at home, others may prefer having a private nurse perform the procedure for them. Insulin pumps (which are attached to the body) are more convenient. Not only is it programmed to release steady amounts of insulin, but it will also release higher doses of insulin after meals – you only need to input your blood sugar level and the amount of carbohydrates you consumed. What are the Medications for Type 2 Diabetes?The medication for type 2 diabetes varies depending on the individual’s overall health condition and how deeply diabetes has affected their lives. Case in point, some mild type 2 diabetes cases, when diagnosed early, can be managed through lifestyle modifications alone without the need for medication. Should a patient need medication, their healthcare team will figure out the drug and the dose. Type 2 diabetes medications are typically oral pills that promote insulin production, lower blood glucose or make the cells more sensitive to insulin. Patients with type 2 diabetes whose pancreas is already damaged may also need to receive insulin therapy. Medicine Delivery with HomageWith Homage’s medicine delivery service, you can now have insulin and diabetes medications delivered to your home anywhere in Singapore. It only takes 3 simple steps:
Lifestyle Modifications for DiabetesWhether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, lifestyle modifications are recommended. Here are some ways you can manage your blood glucose levels:
Of course, these modifications are best achieved under the supervision of a healthcare team. With the help of our team of doctors, nurses, caregivers and therapists, you can receive a personalised diabetes care plan based on your unique care needs. How About Prevention?Currently, there is still no way to prevent types 1 diabetes. For type 2 diabetes, the best that we can do is to eliminate or at least reduce our risk factors. For instance, people with obesity can work on achieving a healthier weight. Those who have a sedentary lifestyle can start increasing their level of physical activity. However, do make sure to take it slow and listen to your body to avoid potentially life-threatening diseases like rhabdomyolysis. The best way to do these steps is, of course, to consult a doctor first. The Bottom LineBasically, type 1 diabetes occurs because the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin; in contrast, type 2 diabetes happens due to insulin resistance. The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar, with only a few differences, such as when and how fast they develop. Treatment for type 1 diabetes requires insulin, either through injections or a pump. For type 2 diabetes, the medications can address high blood glucose, lack of insulin, or insulin resistance. They might also need insulin therapy in the future. Are You Worried About Diabetes?If you are worried about diabetes, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. If going to the hospital or clinic is not yet possible at the moment, consider booking an appointment with our house call doctors. You can also consult our doctors online. Here at Homage, we also offer personalised diabetes for you or your loved one. Our healthcare experts can help in various areas such as physical activity, medicine administration, and vital signs monitoring. Learn more about diabetes care here. References
Download our app today or call our Care Advisors at +65 6100 0055 for a free care consult. Category Chronic ConditionsTags diabetes About the Writer Lorraine Bunag, R.N. Lorraine is a registered nurse who spends most of her time writing informative articles on health and wellness. At the end of the day, she relaxes by reading a book or watching documentaries about unsolved mysteries. Related Articles Chronic Conditions Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & TreatmentChronic Conditions Hepatitis B: Symptoms, Causes, Stages & TreatmentChronic Conditions Sleep Apnea 101: What Is It and How To Treat ItChronic Conditions 11 Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure That Actually WorkMake Home Care Personal To Your Loved OneGet started with a free consultation today, and learn why thousands of Singaporeans trust Homage to deliver the best care in their homes. |