What Is The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are often confused. Here is how the help of a nutrition doctor can help.

Diabetes is a type of chronic medical condition that affects the way your body uses the energy it derives from food, particularly in regard to glucose and insulin. The hormone, insulin, which was discovered by two scientists who won a Nobel Peace Prize for their discovery in 1923, manages glucose levels in the body. Should your body make too much or too little, you may suffer from diabetes.

There are two common forms of diabetes that are often confused with one another: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Though these two conditions share a few characteristics between them, they have major differences that set them apart. This can affect treatment options, including medicines, nutrition, and potential for weight loss.

Here’s what you should know about the type 1 and type 2 diabetes before you set up a trip to an endocrinologist on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is known as “insulin-dependent diabetes.” This autoimmune condition commonly begins to showcase problematic symptoms during childhood. As such, type 1 diabetes is often genetic, however, faulty beta cells can also be the culprit.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system recognizes the pancreas as a foreign body. As such, it sends antibodies to attack the pancreas, thereby causing organ damage and stopping it from creating necessary insulin in the blood. Those suffering from type 1 diabetes will have to manually inject insulin as a result through pens, syringes, injectors, or pumps to maintain bodily health.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the United States. It affects almost 26 million people across the country and makes up around 95% of diabetes cases in adults.

The condition was once called “adult-onset diabetes” but this issue is also found among overweight or obese kids and teenagers. As such, it is now called non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It is the result of fat accumulation in the body which forms insulin-resistant cells. As a result, the body fails to regulate hormone levels properly, leading to deleterious health effects. However, type 2 diabetes also encompasses cases where the pancreas produces some insulin, but not enough to nourish and regulate the body appropriately.

How Do I Treat Diabetes?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for either types of diabetes. Luckily, endocrinologists and nutrition doctors have found ways to mitigate the ill effects of the disease. Healthy diet and exercise are some of the most important factors when it comes to managing diabetic symptoms. Many people suffering from diabetes will rely on a nutrition doctor to form a personalized weight loss program and nutrition plan.

For a weight loss doctor you can trust, rely on the expertise of Philip Rabito, MD PC. Talking to a nutrition doctor about your diabetic treatment plan has never been easier.

Philip Rabito, MD

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