In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal because the body does not produce enough insulin and often cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone needed for glucose to enter the cells and be converted to energy. There are two main types of diabetes—type 1 and type 2.
What is type 1 diabetes?
- Occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin.
- Represents 10-15 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
- Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious.
- Symptoms can include excessive thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, weakness, fatigue and blurred vision.
- Half of new cases occur in people aged 15 years or over.
- Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (L.A.D.A.) is a slow onset form of type 1 diabetes occurring in adults over 30 years of age. LADA is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
What is type 2 diabetes?
- Occurs when either the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both).
- Represents 85-90 per cent of all cases of diabetes.
- Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
- Is more likely to develop in people with a family history or from particular ethnic backgrounds.
- Symptoms may be similar to those for type 1 diabetes. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include; frequent infections (thrush, urinary tract or skin infections), slow wound healing. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not have any symptoms or they may be very mild.
- In early stages type 2 diabetes can usually be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checks but eventually medications and/or insulin may be required.
What is the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Usually the onset is abrupt and symptoms are obvious. Type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is the form of diabetes that is related to ageing, family history and lifestyle factors (overweight and inactivity). It occurs when the insulin is not working effectively (insulin resistance) or the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin (or a combination of both). Most people with diabetes have type 2. It usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age. Type 2 diabetes is treated with healthy eating, exercise and weight control. Tablets and insulin may also be required.
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