Differences between Diabetes Types
A patient with diabetes either doesn't use the insulin that the pancreas is producing effectively, or the pancreas has ceased to produce the insulin the body requires. This results in blood sugar readings that are too high.
The elevated blood sugar readings will result in nerve and blood vessel damage, leading to heart disease, nerve damage, and poor eyesight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) over 180 million people are currently living with diabetes, most of them with Type 2, also called Adult Onset Diabetes.
There are three different types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. The type is determined by when the patient started having diabetic symptoms and how the diabetes is controlled. Some rely on insulin injections; others can be controlled with diet, medication, and exercise.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 is also known as juvenile diabetes and insulin dependent diabetes. In this instance, the pancreas is not producing insulin. The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can include excessive urination, thirst, weight loss, vision difficulties, hunger, and fatigue. Without proper insulin injections, Type 1 diabetes can be fatal.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 is also known as adult onset diabetes and non insulin dependent diabetes. Type 2 means the pancreas' insulin isn't being used effectively. This accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases. Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are similar but less severe than Type 1. Type 2 can be treated with diet, exercise, medication, and sometimes insulin injections. While Type 2 typically manifests in seniors, but it is now starting to show up in obese children.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes only occurs in pregnant women. Typically it is caught in prenatal screenings. The signs of gestational diabetes are the same as Type 2 - thirst, excessive urination, and hunger. Women with gestational diabetes can continue to have diabetic symptoms after the birth of the baby.
Diabetes screenings monitor blood sugar. If the blood sugar is elevated, the patient may be monitored and additional testing will determine if he/she is pre-diabetic or fully diabetic.
