What are the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes? Can one turn into the other?
Type 1 vs type 2 diabetes: are they connected? Each diagnosis has its distinct causes and characteristics. Here, we’re going to provide some information about each of these types of diabetes and answer questions related to: “can type 2 diabetes turn into type 1 diabetes?” or vice versa.
What are the early signs of diabetes? Click here to learn more.
If you, or someone you know, has recently been diagnosed with diabetes it’s important to do a bit of investigation to have a better understanding of each and discuss it thoroughly with your doctor. Continue reading to learn about type 1 vs type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes
Can type 2 diabetes turn into type 1? The answer is no. Type 1 diabetes is related to the immune system and is an autoimmune disease. This disease happens when certain cells in the pancreas that produce insulin no longer work and therefore the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually developed, or diagnosed, at a young age. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes means that the body has become resistant to insulin and is no longer able to use insulin correctly.
Unlike type 1 where the pancreas isn’t working properly. Type 2 diabetes is generally developed later in life as an adult although it is becoming more common to find this type of diabetes in younger individuals like children. So are these diseases related?
Can type 2 diabetes turn into type 1 diabetes? The answer is no because each of the diseases stem from different beginnings and causes.
What are causes of type 1 diabetes?
As mentioned above, when type 1 diabetes is diagnosed it is because the immune system in the body is attacking itself – autoimmune disease. The body goes after the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas making it impossible for the cells to survive and therefore are destroyed. Research is still ongoing in regards to why the body does this to itself.
What are causes of type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a bit different from type 1 because in this case the body is not attacking itself. Instead the body isn’t able to use the insulin that is produced properly. Because of the inability to use insulin properly the body produces more insulin causing a buildup of sugar in the blood.
In general, the main causes for type 2 diabetes have to do with lifestyle. If a person is overweight and inactive they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than someone who is the opposite. There are other factors that can play a role in the development and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and they are both genetic and environmental factors.
As you can see, both types of diabetes are very different from one another so if you’re still wondering “can type 2 diabetes turn into type 1?” you can see that although they both have to do with insulin, they are not the same.
Symptoms of diabetes
Although many of the symptoms are similar, those who have type 2 diabetes may not notice symptoms until many years after development, or may notice them slowly. Those who have type 1 diabetes may notice the symptoms below plus mood changes, irritability and unintentional weight loss. Whereas those who have type 2 diabetes may notice the symptoms below plus numbness in the hands and feet do to circulation.
If neither type of diabetes is controlled it can cause serious risk factors for overall health. Here are some symptoms that can be noticed in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
- Frequent trips to the bathroom – urination
- Frequent thirst or need to drink liquid
- Frequent hunger
- Frequent exhaustion or tiredness
- Changes in vision or blurry vision
- Sores on the body or cuts that are unable to heal correctly
Following treatment and frequent trips to the doctor to manage diabetes is the best way to live the healthiest life.
