Understanding Diabetes Types: Type 1, Type 2, and Beyond

Here are the common types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes:

- Usually develops in childhood or young adulthood.

- The body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

- People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin for life.

2. Type 2 diabetes:

- Usually develops in adulthood.

- The body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin well.

- People with type 2 diabetes can often manage their blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and exercise. Some may need oral medications or insulin.

3. Gestational diabetes:

- Develops during pregnancy.

- Usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

How to know if you have diabetes

- Frequent urination

- Increased thirst

- Unexplained weight loss

- Increased hunger

- Fatigue

- Blurred vision

- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

- Slow-healing sores

- Frequent infections

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different conditions, but they share some common risk factors, including:

- Family history of diabetes

- Overweight or obesity

- Physical inactivity

- High blood pressure

- High cholesterol

- Prediabetes

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for diabetes and what you can do to reduce your risk.