Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes explained

Diabetes is a very common condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable. When your blood sugar is too high, insulin is the hormone that removes sugar (glucose) from your bloodstream. The energy is then used to supply your cells. In this article, we will highlight the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Table of Contents

• The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• Common symptoms of diabetes
• What causes the symptoms of diabetes?
• Diabetes can be hard to recognize
• Can diabetes be cured?
• How to reduce your risk of diabetes

The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 is a genetic condition, with symptoms usually appearing early in life. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, develops over time and is related to diet. If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your body. In type 2, your body still produces a small amount of insulin. However, this amount of insulin is not sufficient to cope with the high blood sugar caused by an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. People with type 2 diabetes may also suffer from insulin resistance, meaning their pancreas produces insulin, but their body does not recognize or respond to it (DiabetesUK, 2024).

Common symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes are less obvious than you might expect. Many people don’t even know they have diabetes. A common symptom, for example, is feeling more tired than usual. People often attribute this to a “tough week” or poor sleep. In addition to fatigue, other symptoms may include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Genital itching
• Slower healing of cuts and wounds
• Blurred vision

It’s important to note that every individual is different, and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. However, the most common symptoms are increased urination, increased thirst, weight loss, and fatigue.

What causes the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes occur when some or all of the glucose in your bloodstream remains there instead of being used as an energy source. In this case, the body tries to lower the blood glucose levels by removing the excess glucose through the urine. As a result, thirst and urination increase. Due to frequent urination, the genital area may become an ideal breeding ground for a yeast infection, which can lead to thrush. But again, not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Diabetes can be hard to recognize

Although most people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, the symptoms are the same at any stage of life. Adults with type 1 diabetes may not recognize their symptoms as quickly as children, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

Because type 2 diabetes develops more slowly, it is easier to overlook—especially in its early stages, when symptoms are harder to detect. However, uncontrolled diabetes can damage the heart, eyes, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and other vital organs. These complications can be avoided if the condition is detected early and your blood sugar is kept under control. One way to do this is by using a Homed-IQ at-home blood sugar test.

Can diabetes be cured?

No, unfortunately, there is no cure for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, science and technology have made it possible to live a comfortable life with very few limitations. There are ways to treat and live with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For the treatment of type 1 diabetes, it is important to:

• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet
• Monitor your blood sugar
• Exercise regularly
• Take insulin when needed

Unlike type 1 diabetes, patients with type 2 are fortunately usually not dependent on insulin because their bodies still produce a small amount. While there are medications available that help lower blood sugar, the main ways to manage type 2 diabetes are:

• Monitoring blood glucose
• Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet
• Losing weight
• Regular physical activity

How to reduce your risk of diabetes

Because type 1 diabetes is genetically determined, there is no way to lower the risk of developing it. However, type 2 diabetes is preventable. Some ways to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes include:

• Maintain low alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Engage in regular exercise and track your weight
• Follow a healthy diet
• Increase your fiber intake

If you notice any symptoms of diabetes, make sure to get tested as soon as possible.