What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is what used to be called “juvenile” diabetes. It typically starts showing symptoms in childhood or when a person is a teenager, but in some cases it occurs in adults. (Children can also get type 2 diabetes, which is another reason for the switch to talking about the two “types” instead of thinking of them as juvenile and adult-onset.) About 5-10% of people who have diabetes have type 1.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the beta cells of the pancreas don’t produce enough insulin. This happens because the body attacks its own beta cells, meaning it’s an autoimmune disease.
“The young child who is urinating frequently, drinking large quantities, losing weight, and becoming more and more tired and ill is the classic picture of a child with new-onset type 1 diabetes,” Symptoms often start suddenly and worsen quickly, so if this sounds familiar, seek medical care right away. Treatment for type 1 diabetes requires insulin.
What is type 2 diabetes?
In type 2 diabetes, insulin may still be produced, but the cells in various parts of the body aren’t sensitive enough to it. This is called insulin resistance. Eventually, the pancreas may stop producing enough insulin, so you have a lack of insulin and a lack of sensitivity to it.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to many of those in type 1: increased thirst and urination, hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, and sores that don’t heal properly.
You’re more at risk for type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or don’t exercise much (exercise can improve our cells’ insulin sensitivity, which is one of the reasons exercise is so important for health.) Older people, people with a family history of diabetes, and people who had gestational diabetes while pregnant are also at risk of developing the condition.
Type 2 diabetes can often be managed or prevented with exercise, weight loss, and healthy eating, but medications may also be necessary. In some cases, insulin may be required.
How to control type 2 diabetes
Many people may wonder how to control type 2 diabetes without medications. A healthy diet and lifestyle could help people manage type 2 diabetes and other aspects of their health.
- Eating a nutritious diet
- getting regular exercise
- stopping smoking
- reducing stress
However, if someone receives a diabetes diagnosis as an older adult and their blood sugar is only mildly elevated, medications may not be necessary.
In this article, we examine how to control type 2 diabetes without medication. We also look at the causes of type 2 diabetes and when people may need medication to manage their condition.
- Engaging in weight management
- Eating a nutritious diet
- getting regular exercise
- stopping smoking
- reducing stress
However, if someone receives a diabetes diagnosis as an older adult and their blood sugar is only mildly elevated, medications may not be necessary.
In this article, we examine how to control type 2 diabetes without medication. We also look at the causes of type 2 diabetes and when people may need medication to manage their condition.
The following healthy lifestyle practices may help reduce blood sugar levels:
1. Pursue weight management
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Get regular exercise
4. Stop smoking
5. Manage stress
Causes and symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that involves high blood glucose or blood sugar.
After some time, the pancreas cannot keep up, and blood sugar increases, which leads to prediabetes and diabetes.
Symptoms frequently develop over several years, including:
- tiredness
- increased thirst and urination
- blurry vision
- increased hunger
- slow healing of sores
- numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- weight loss without trying
- dry skin
- more infections than usual
Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
- excessive thirst
- excessive and frequent urination
- excessive hunger
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- blurry vision
- nausea
- slow healing of wounds or cut
Type 2 diabetes can cause low or high blood sugar and dehydration, all of which can cause people to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Certain medications, including those for diabetes, may also cause dizziness.
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