A lot of people are unclear on the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While both have something to do with insulin and high blood glucose levels, it’s important to know the differences because the way to manage each disease is different.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in infancy or during childhood. With type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, which is necessary for the conversion of glucose into energy and the regulation of your body’s blood sugar level. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes are apparent early on and include increased thirst and frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and blurry vision.
The cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown. It develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas, which destroys the cells that produce insulin. As a result, you do not produce enough insulin for your body.
There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, but it is manageable with dietary changes, blood sugar monitoring, and insulin injections. Most type 1 diabetics rely on insulin to replenish insulin levels in their bodies.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is often caused by lifestyle choices, unlike type 1 diabetes. It is also the most common type of diabetes. It is caused by issues like obesity, physical inactivity, lack of exercise, and a diet high in sugars, starches, and carbohydrates. Type 2 diabetes can affect people both young and old, and the symptoms slowly creep in without most noticing. A lot of people with type 2 diabetes walk around unaware that they already have the condition.
Unlike type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics do produce insulin, however, the body is unable to utilize the insulin due to a condition called insulin resistance. For this reason, the pancreas keeps making insulin which results in high insulin levels in the body. Eventually, the pancreas overexerts itself to the point that insulin production becomes unstable.
Today, type 2 diabetes is highly manageable. Treatment plans usually involve dietary modifications, exercise, and weight loss. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels and special care should be given to foot care since peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage is very common among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Management and Treatment in Tucson, Arizona
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and you are looking for VIP treatment for your condition, consider Dr. Robert E. Lending’s services. Dr. Lending is an internal medicine doctor who provides concierge medicine services to his patients. This means you get the care you require whenever you need it.
In our clinic, there’s no waiting time, and your phone calls never go unanswered. We make you our top priority and have designed our services according to your convenience. We focus on every aspect of your health, not just one condition. This way, you get healthier all around.
If you have questions about our concierge medicine services, give us a call at (520) 795-4291 or send us an appointment request now. We look forward to serving you soon!
