If you’re living with diabetes, there is hope. Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb at Ridgeview Internal Medicine in Woodbridge, VA can help you live a fuller life with a personalized care plan.

Guide to the Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes 

You’ve heard the terms Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but do you know the difference between the two? If not, you’re not alone. Many people know that there is more than one type but aren’t really sure about either of them. This guide from Dr. Al-Khateeb and the team at Ridgeview Internal Medicine in Woodbridge, VA helps explain the differences.

Overview of Diabetes 

Before we dive into the differences, it’s important to get a clear understanding of diabetes in general. Our bodies need a sugar called glucose for energy, which comes from the liver and the foods we take in. The pancreas creates insulin, which takes the sugar from the blood. It then sends it to the body’s cells and the liver so it can be stored.

With diabetes, however, this process cannot occur, as the necessary insulin is either not produced, there isn’t enough, or what is produced cannot be used properly. The glucose is then left in the bloodstream.

Type 1 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune issue that typically presents itself early in life. In this case, the body cannot produce insulin, as the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes experience symptoms like headaches, hunger, extreme thirst, blurry vision, fatigue, irritability, and increased urination.

Type 2 

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes less insulin than it needs to use the glucose and the body grows resistant to what is made. It’s the result of lifestyle choices and develops over time.

An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can prevent the pancreas from keeping up with the high levels of sugar in the body. Also, if you carry excess weight, fat is stored in the pancreas, meaning that there is no room to store glucose. Therefore, it remains in the bloodstream.

Type 2 sufferers experience the same symptoms as Type 1 sufferers. However, they might also deal with recurring infections, problems with their gums, wounds that won’t heal, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and more.

Treating Diabetes 

Regardless of the type, diabetes can be managed. Type 1 typically requires regular medication via insulin injections. Proper diet, exercise, and other lifestyle adjustments are usually effective for treating Type 2.

Take control of your diabetes with the help of Dr. Al-Khateeb at Ridgeview Internal Medicine in Woodbridge, VA. You can schedule an appointment by calling (703) 494-4116.