Learn more about this common chronic health problem and its types.
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, more than 8 in 10 don’t even know they have it. Diabetes, mainly if left untreated, can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. The good news is that by simply turning to our Cypress, TX, primary care physicians for an annual checkup, we can detect diabetes early and provide immediate treatment.
What Are the Most Significant Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
While these diseases might share a name, they are quite different. For one, Type 1 diabetes is often the result of an autoimmune response, and our Cypress, TX, team most often sees this type of diabetes in children and teens. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes usually develops over time and results from certain lifestyle factors such as inactivity, obesity or poor diet. We often see type 2 diabetes in adults; however, we are seeing more and more children and teens presenting with type 2 diabetes these days.
What Causes Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes results from an autoimmune response, which means the body attacks insulin-producing cells within the pancreas so the body can no longer produce insulin. People with type 2 diabetes are insulin resistant, meaning their body produces insulin but the body doesn’t use it efficiently.
What Are the Risk Factors for Diabetes?
Risk factors are still not as clear in type 1 diabetes as they are for type 2 diabetes. Risk factors may include family history and younger age (we often see this in children and teens). Risk factors for type 2 diabetes are a bit clearer and often include,
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excess weight or obesity
- Having gestational diabetes
- Family history of type 1 diabetes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Being over age 45
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?
Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are often shared and include,
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision or vision changes
- Wounds that don’t heal properly
- Dry skin
- Developing more infections than usual
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Mood changes
- Unintentional weight loss
If you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes or if you aren’t properly controlling it with your current treatment plan, our Cypress, TX, medical team can help. Call Premier NW Houston Medical Group at (281) 758-1022 to schedule a consultation.