Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes happens when the body does not make enough insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells. This causes it to build up in the blood instead of being used by the cells for energy.
Causes
Causes of type 1 are:
An immune system that attacks healthy tissue in the pancreas and destroys the cells that make insulin
Genetics
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Risk Factors
It is more common in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age. It is also more common in people who have family members with it.
Other things that may raise the risk are:
High birth weight
Obesity
Increased age of mother during pregnancy
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
Urinating more often, especially at night
Bedwetting
Feeling tired and weak
Being very thirsty
Hunger
Weight loss
Belly pain
Ketoacidosis can happen when a person’s glucose gets very high. It can be deadly if it is not treated right away.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that check for high glucose levels. More than one test may be done.
These blood tests will also be done to find out whether it is type 1 or type 2:
Insulin level or C-peptide tests to see how much insulin is being made by the pancreas
Tests that look for antibodies that are working against the pancreas
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes happens when the body does not make enough insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells. This causes it to build up in the blood instead of being used by the cells for energy. Type 2 is more common in adults.
Causes
Type 2 happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas cannot make enough. This may be due to a person's genes and habits.
Risk Factors
Type 2 is more common in people with obesity and those over 45 years of age. People who are American Indian, Alaska natives, Black, and Hispanic are at higher risk. Some other common risks are:
Prediabetes—slightly high glucose levels
Metabolic syndrome —fat around the belly and high cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Past gestational diabetes or having a baby that weighs over 9 pounds at birth
Poor eating habits
Lack of exercise
Smoking
High blood pressure
Taking certain medicines, such as glucocorticoids or thiazides
Symptoms
Most people do not have problems right away. Others may have:
Urinating more often
Being very thirsty
Hunger
Blurry eyesight
Weight loss
Being very tired
Frequent infections
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that check for high glucose levels. More than one test may be done.
These blood tests will also be done to find out whether it is type 1 or type 2:
Insulin level or C-peptide tests to see how much insulin is being made by the pancreas
Tests that look for antibodies that are working against the pancreas
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
RESOURCES
American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov