Let's Navigate Diabetes Together.
Article by Aoibhinn Connolly
Diabetes is a condition which causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar names, but they’re different diseases with different unique causes.
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that develops during childhood or adolescence.
Type 2 diabetes is developed over time and is far more common than type 1. In the UK, over 90% of adults with diabetes have type 2.
What causes diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that usually develops early in life. In people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakes the body’s healthy cells for harmful invaders. The immune system then attacks these healthy cells in the pancreas, where insulin is produced. After these cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin. When you develop type 2 diabetes, the body will try to compensate by producing more insulin. As you cannot use the insulin effectively, glucose (sugar) builds up in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, although it can also occur in children and adolescents, especially with the rise in childhood obesity.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. When we consume carbohydrates, insulin enables our cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, providing essential energy for our bodies.
Insulin Production:
People with type 1 diabetes produce little to no insulin, so they need to inject insulin into their bodies or use an insulin pump to manage blood sugar levels.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, where there is a clear deficiency, people with type 2 diabetes can have varying levels of insulin production. Initially, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate for the insulin resistance in the body, but over time, production decreases as the pancreas struggles to maintain this increased production.
Risk Factors of diabetes:
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less clear than risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
The primary risk factor for type 1 diabetes is genetic predisposition, where individuals with a family history may be at a higher risk.
Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include;
Carrying excessive weight or obesity
Elevated blood sugar levels
People over 45 years of age
Taking part in physical activity less than 3 times per week
Women with a history with gestational diabetes
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
People with an immediate family member who has type 2 diabetes
Tips for healthier food choices to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes:
Choose drinks without added sugar
Choose high fibre, complex carbohydrates
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Cut down on processed and red meat
Include healthy fats in your diet e,g, avocado, olive oil, nuts
Choose healthier snacks e.g. nuts, seeds, unsweetened yoghurt.
Management:
There’s currently no cure for type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels daily as they can go up and down very quickly. Insulin injections or an insulin pump are essential for managing changing blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise. Many people with type 2 diabetes will need extra support through medications and, in some cases, insulin therapy. Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an essential part of type 2 diabetes management too as it ensures you’re meeting your target levels.
Key takeaways:
Understanding the distinctions between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is crucial for effective management strategies. While both conditions affect blood sugar levels, their causes, risk factors, and treatment approaches differ significantly. By raising awareness about the unique challenges posed by each type of diabetes, we can aim to improve the quality of life for those affected.