Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 10.5% of the American population were suffering from diabetes in 2018. Researchers also estimate that more than 7 million U.S. adults are still secretly dealing with this disease.
Both types of diabetes can cause chronically high blood sugar levels and increase the long-term risk for heart disease and other diabetes-related complications. While type 1 diabetes can’t be cured, both illnesses can be managed by adopting a balanced lifestyle and taking recommended treatments.
However, knowing the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is crucial to prevent, diagnose or treat your condition.
One of our main goals here at Wellness Captain is to provide valuable information that helps you, our reader, live a healthier lifestyle overall. With this in mind, I offer you this in-depth post to understand why these diseases are so common, how they manifest and what we can do about each.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms
The most important similarity between the two main types of diabetes lies in their symptoms. Here are the most common signs:
- Frequent urination
- Blurry vision
- Unexplained fatigue
- Extreme hunger and/or thirst
- Cuts or sores that don’t heal correctly
Additionally, people with type 1 diabetes can also experience sudden mood changes and unexplained weight loss. Meanwhile, those with type 2 diabetes may feel some sort of numbness or tingling in their feet or hands.
Another interesting fact is that it might take years until someone with type 2 diabetes starts developing the first symptoms; when they do appear, these signs increase in intensity gradually. In other words, you may be urinating slightly more frequently and just blame it on overhydration or drinking too much caffeine (which can, by the way, cause excessive urination).
With type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, symptoms appear quickly and increase in intensity over the course of just a few weeks. Commonly known as juvenile diabetes, this condition usually starts in childhood or early adolescence; however, it’s not a rule. Some people can develop the illness later in life as well.
