Diabetes Information
Type 1 diabetes symptoms can manifest themselves in many aspects of a person’s life. It’s important to manage weight, eat healthily, and pay attention to your body’s health in order to watch for type 1 diabetes symptoms. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, while less than 10% have type 1 diabetes. Overall, 18.2 million Americans suffer from type 2 diabetes. Like all types of diabetes, it means there is too much sugar in the blood.
Diabetes Information Overview
Diabetes type 1, also called insulin-dependent diabetes, and previously known as juvenile onset diabetes, is the type of diabetes that happens generally before age 40. It typically presents itself in childhood, and must be treated with insulin. Type 1 diabetes symptoms are common issues and can be signs of other diseases as well, so going to the doctor for a physical and an evaluation is the only sure way to know whether or not you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is typically acquired in people over 40 years old, but recent trends are seeing diagnosis much younger. Heredity is much stronger with type 2 diabetes, so if there is a family history of type 2 diabetes, it can be a significant risk factor.
Diabetes Information Discussion
Some general diabetes information: the main thing to know is that there are two main types and several other types that are less common. Type 1 diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, unusual hunger and thirst, and weight loss, Type 1 diabetes tends to be an inherited condition, but that does not mean you will have a family history of type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes symptoms also include race. Caucasian people are more likely to have type 1 diabetes. Age is one of the most important type 1 diabetes symptoms. Type 1 diabetes frequently happens during childhood and usually before age 40.
There are a few genes that are type 1 diabetes symptoms. Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are a set of genes thought to predispose people to type 1 diabetes. These genes code antigens, which are proteins that identify the cells of your body. They tell your immune system not to destroy your cells, and that is how your immune system knows which cells are foreign and when to fight them. Scientists think that some HLAs may incorrectly tag a person’s beta cells as foreign, causing the immune system to destroy the cells that make insulin and causing type 1 diabetes.
There are many variations of the HLA-DR gene, and people inherit one HLA gene from each parent. HLA-DR has the strongest link to type 1 diabetes symptoms. 95% of people who have type 1 diabetes have the DR3 form of the HLA-DR gene. Having this form in your genetic makeup does not mean you will get type 1 diabetes, most people stay healthy. But, if your family has a history of type 1 diabetes, screening for this gene may help determine whether you are predisposed to type 1 diabetes symptoms.
People who have type 2 diabetes do make insulin, unlike those with type 1. The problem is that the cells in their bodies are resistant to the action of the insulin or they may not make enough insulin to keep their bodies healthy. Type 2 diabetes does not generally appear suddenly, but develops over time, and you can experience symptoms for years without knowing the cause. Age, obesity, and lifestyle are the easiest predictor of type 2 diabetes, but family history can also be a predictor. The average person who has type 2 diabetes is older, overweight and has a strong family history of diabetes. Common symptoms are frequent urination and weight loss, both things that can be easily overlooked.
Diet and exercise are usually the first treatments for type 2 diabetes, and medication and insulin may follow later if necessary. People may also experience blood clots, particularly in the legs as a symptom of type 2 diabetes. The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is to engage in regular exercise and to eat well in order to maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly and eat regularly have a lower instance of developing type 2 diabetes.
This diabetes information should help you understand the basics, but there is much more to learn. Visit an informational website, speak to your doctor, or read a book on diabetes to learn more basic diabetes information.
Sauder, C.D.; Rubin, R.R., & Shump, C.S. (1997). The Johns Hopkins Guide to Diabetes for Today and Tomorrow. London: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Touchette, N. (2005). American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes. Alexandria, VA: American Diabetes Association.