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Type 1 & 2 Diabetes - Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes a spike in blood sugar levels. It is a chronic long-lasting condition in which the sugar levels go up causing an increase in glucose levels in the bloodstream. If left untreated, high sugar levels may cause many complications. In this blog, we shall discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of type 1 & 2 diabetes.

Untreated high blood sugar levels can cause major damage to multiple systems of the body including nerves, eyes, kidneys, and organs. In this context, GS Hospital, the Top Private Hospital in Delhi NCR, takes an initiative to bring about diabetes awareness to control blood sugar levels. This hospital is counted among the top 10 private hospitals in Uttar Pradesh with a team of the best cardiologists. So, let's give you a sneak peek at diabetes at this top heart care hospital in Ghaziabad.

Types of Diabetes

The diabetes is classified as type 1 and type 2 diabetes based on insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone secreted from beta cells of the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. The different types of diabetes are as follows:

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is known as an autoimmune disorder. In an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks and destroys the body's healthy cells of the pancreas. The beta cells of the pancreas produce insulin. In type 1 diabetes, there is damage to pancreatic cells which causes lack or no insulin release leading to type 1 diabetes. It is a chronic condition due to lack of insulin which causes high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is called insulin-dependent diabetes. That is why, it has been seen that type 1 diabetes is generally dependent on insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the patients generally become resistant to insulin and they stop responding to insulin. This causes sugar to build up in the body. Type 2 Diabetes is generally considered non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It is generally taken care of with medications.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes mainly occurs in pregnancy. The placenta produces insulin-blocking hormones which cause an impact on insulin secretion. Reduced insulin secretion by the placenta causes this type of diabetes.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a term used when blood sugar levels are at the borderline. This can lead to prediabetic conditions. At this stage, it is important to control the blood sugar levels with lifestyle modifications.

Incidence of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common conditions. Amongst all the different types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is considered the most common form of diabetes. As per research, 537 million adults globally have diabetes. The statistics confirm that the number will rise to 645 million by 2030 and 785 million by 2045.

Causes of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

High blood sugar levels are the main cause of diabetes. The major reasons for high sugar levels are as follows:

• Genetic
• Aging
• Unhealthy eating habits with high sugar levels
• Stress with increased cortisol levels
• Obesity and being overweight
• Insulin resistance when muscles and liver cells do not respond to the insulin levels
• Damage to the pancreas or pancreas disorder
• Autoimmune disease
• Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid
• Long-term chronic health issues
• Long-term consumption of steroids or any other medications
• Metabolic syndrome
• Lack of physical activity
• Any surgery

Common symptoms of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:

• Increased thirst (Polydipsia)
• Frequent urination (Polyuria)
• Increased hunger and appetite (Polyphagia)
• Unexplained weight loss; losing weight while eating well
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling of hands and feet
• Slow-healing of wounds, cuts, and sores
• Frequent skin infections
• Recurrent vaginal infections

These are the common symptoms of diabetes. Apart from this, there are some specific symptoms for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Specific symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

The specific symptoms are as follows:

Type 1 diabetes-specific symptoms

Type 1 diabetes may show certain specific symptoms of DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) which include vomiting, stomach pains, fruity-smell breath, and labored breathing. This can lead to a complication and life-threatening condition of DKA which require immediate medical attention.

Type 2 diabetes-specific symptoms

In type 2 diabetes, you may not have any symptoms at all or it may develop gradually. Type 2 diabetes is mainly diagnosed through routine blood tests which reveal high blood sugar levels. One of the commonest signs of type 2 diabetes is acanthosis nigricans which is the darkening of the nape of the neck.

Gestational diabetes-specific symptoms

This is mainly detected through routine blood tests during the pregnancy. It is commonly seen in 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.

Complications of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

The complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:

Emergency complications of type 1 and type diabetes

Severe low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia): This mainly occurs when there is a drop in blood sugar levels due to the use of insulin injections. The main signs of hypoglycemia are double vision, disorientation, low blood pressure, and seizures. This requires immediate emergency attention and intervention with glucagon.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): This is mainly seen in type 2 diabetes which causes high sugar levels for a long time resulting in dehydration and confusion. This needs immediate medical attention.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This mainly occurs in type 1 diabetes where the body is unable to utilize glucose due to lack of insulin secretion. DKA causes the release of ketones causing increased acid in blood.

Long-term diabetes type 1 and type 2 complications

The long-term diabetes type 1 and type 2 complications are as follows:

• Cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke
• Nerve damage causing neuropathy
• Kidney issues leading to nephropathy
• Vision problems causing retinopathy
• Diabetes-related foot condition or ulcer formation
• Complicated and recurrent skin conditions
• Sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction
• Gum or teeth issues
• Mental health issues such as depression and low confidence due to long-term diabetic medications.

Treatment of Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes requires medication management with multiple strategies. Here is the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

• Blood sugar monitoring with a continuous glucose monitor, a blood test that includes fasting blood sugar levels, post-prandial blood sugar levels, and HbA1c.
• Oral antidiabetic medications such as Metformin
• Insulin units in the form of injections, pens, pumps, rapid-acting insulin
• Diet planning and counting carbs
• Physical exercise to improve insulin resistance
• Weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol control

Preventive Solutions for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

The preventive solutions for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:

• Target healthy lifestyle goals
• Know the contributing factors for diabetes and eliminate it
• Eat a healthy diet and control your sugar
• Sweat it out to reduce weight and work towards a healthy weight
• Manage your stress levels
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and tobacco
• Focus on sound sleep for 7-8 hours/day
• Continue your medications as prescribed by the doctor