If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both occur when the body cannot properly store and use glucose, which is essential for energy. This glucose then collects in the blood and does not reach the cells that need it, leading to serious complications. Type 1 diabetes usually appears first in children and adolescents, but it can also occur in adults.
In type 1 diabetes the immune system attacks pancreatic beta cells so that they can no longer produce insulin. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes and it is often hereditary. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to appear as people age, but children may still develop it. In this type, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body cannot use it effectively. Lifestyle factors appear to play a role in its development.
The majority of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Both types of diabetes can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss, neurological conditions, and damage to blood vessels and organs.
Other aspects of metabolic syndrome also occur alongside type 2 diabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure , and cardiovascular disease. This can lead to ketoacidosis , a potentially life-threatening condition that needs urgent medical attention. Learn more about hyperglycemia here. Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar levels are too low. A person should consume a high-glucose food or drink to relieve the symptoms and prevent the problem from getting worse.
Ideally, a person should follow this with protein-rich food. A person with diabetes should carry a medical ID so that others will know what to do if a problem occurs. Find out more about hypoglycemia here. The onset of type 1 diabetes tends to be sudden. If a person has symptoms, the person should see a doctor as soon as possible.
By contrast, a person in the early stages of type 2 diabetes may show no symptoms. However, a routine blood test at this stage will show elevated blood sugar levels. People with obesity and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes should have regular checks to ensure their glucose levels are healthy.
If tests show they are high, they may have diabetes or prediabetes. Learn more about prediabetes here. Prediabetes is where a person has elevated blood glucose levels but does not yet meet the levels necessary for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
The following tests can help diagnose type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but they may not all be useful for both types:. The following table shows which results indicate diabetes:. The ADA recommends regular screening for type 2 diabetes in people aged 45 years and above. Younger people who may be more at risk of diabetes, such as those with a family history of the condition, should also regularly screen for type 2 diabetes.
People can check their own blood glucose levels at home. A person without known diabetes who has concerns about values taken with a home meter should visit their doctor for evaluation. Testing kits are available for purchase online.
Southbank Medical Centre. Our bodies cells and organs need energy in order to perform various functions. Although many tissues use fat or proteins as a source of energy, some organs such as the brain and red blood cells rely on glucose for energy needs.
A hormone called insulin, produced by the beta cells of the pancreas helps to convert blood sugar into usable energy, it also helps to control blood sugar levels and keep them in the normal range. Sometimes the pancreas is unable to produce enough or any insulin or fails to use insulin well, this results in an increase in the blood glucose sugar levels. This can lead to an increase in the sugar levels in our blood.
Increased levels of sugar glucose in the blood can lead to serious health complications including but not limited to heart diseases, kidney failure, blindness, and lower-extremity amputations.
Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century and a challenging problem for public health worldwide. It is estimated that roughly 1. Another area of research is diet and its effects on both prevention and diabetes maintenance. A study published in March in the British Journal of Nutrition reported that following a diet high in plant nutrients and low in meat consumption lowers a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The results indicated that certain compounds found in meat, rather than specific proteins, increased the risk of type 2 diabetes. Aside from eating healthy foods rich in plant nutrients, a large number of studies indicate that exercise is paramount not only for weight control, but also for maintaining a healthy, optimistic outlook. A weight-loss diet and 30 minutes of daily exercise lowered their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent compared with those who didn't follow the diet or exercise.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: May 8, Medically Reviewed. What Causes Diabetes? What Does Diabetes Do to the Body? Are the Symptoms of Diabetes Different? Is Diabetes Treatment Different, Too? What Are the Complications of Diabetes?
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