Discover the different types of diabetes and learn about their causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options. Stay informed and take control of your health.Though diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the United States, its exact nature and differences between types of the disease may be less well-known. Whether you have diabetes or are concerned about your risk, Double board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh and the HEALOR™ team can help Las Vegas, NV area residents manage the disease or lower their risk altogether.
What is diabetes?
When you eat food, most of it is broken down by your body into a substance called glucose. When the glucose in your blood rises, your pancreas springs into action, releasing insulin, which allows the body’s cells to accept glucose as fuel. But for those with diabetes, their bodies either don’t produce enough insulin or use the insulin produced inefficiently, which means too much glucose remains in their blood rather than being absorbed by cells. Over time, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, raise the risk of infection, and cause long-term organ damage that results in death. According to the most recent data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 34 million U.S. adults have diabetes, but about one in five haven’t been diagnosed yet. Over the past two decades, the number of adults diagnosed with the disease has more than doubled, and it is currently the seventh-leading cause of death in the nation. Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, fatigue, irritability or other mood changes, and blurry vision. Diagnosis is done through blood tests.
Understanding the Different Types of Diabetes
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is the less common of the two main forms of the disease, affecting about 10% of people with diabetes, according to the CDC. People with Type 1 diabetes make little to no insulin naturally. Historically, Type 1 diabetes was referred to as juvenile diabetes because it’s most often diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, it can be diagnosed at any stage of life. This form of diabetes usually comes on very quickly, so if you’re a Las Vegas, NV area resident concerned that you or your child may be dealing with type 1 diabetes, contact Dr. Singh at HEALOR™ to schedule an evaluation.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Individuals with Type 2 diabetes do produce insulin, but their bodies don’t use it effectively enough to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Of the two permanent types of diabetes, Type 2 is much more common, affecting an estimated 90% of people with diabetes. This form of the disease develops over many years and is most often diagnosed in adults, though medical professionals are increasingly diagnosing it in younger people.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a form of the disease affecting pregnant people who have never had diabetes before. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the pregnancy is over, but it permanently raises the mother’s risk of Type 2 diabetes as well as making it more likely their baby will have diabetes later in life.
How do diabetes treatments vary?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be treated with insulin, which patients can take to manage their blood sugar. However, those with Type 2 may be able to manage diabetes without the aid of medication by changing their eating and exercise habits, while those with Type 1 can only be treated via insulin.
Can diabetes be cured?
Diabetes is not a curable condition, but some people with Type 2 diabetes are able to manage their disease with a combination of diet and exercise. And while most people with diabetes do require medication for the remainder of their lives, it’s possible to live a normal lifespan despite having diabetes.
Schedule an appointment with HEALOR™ to help manage your diabetes
Our practice, led by double board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh, focuses on nurturing long-lasting relationships between people and their doctors. Our Las Vegas, NV team will be with you every step of the way to help manage your diabetes or provide recommendations for avoiding the disease in the first place.