And yet, the average person knows little about this health condition. Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed, have been living with diabetes for a while, or are caring for a loved one with diabetes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about diabetes. Learning as much as you can about the condition can help you or your loved one access the resources and support needed to thrive.
Chances are, you’ve heard people talk about “diabetes” as if everyone living with diabetes shares the same symptoms and complications. However, if you’re living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes, you might need more information to work with. Are you wondering what the different types of diabetes are? Let the pros at Bowtie help you learn more about all four types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes (previously called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes) is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age. Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2—only approximately 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1.*
Glucose is the fuel that feeds your body’s cells. Insulin is the key that allows glucose to enter the cells. Those with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin. But with the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, patients can learn to manage their condition.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance, meaning that the body still produces insulin, but it’s unable to use it effectively, causing sugar to build up in the bloodstream. While some people can control their blood sugar levels with healthy eating and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to help manage it.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy in women who don’t already have diabetes. Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how cells use glucose. If diabetes is not well controlled during pregnancy, high blood sugar levels can affect the baby and mother during pregnancy, at the time of birth, and after birth.* Expectant mothers can control gestational diabetes by eating healthily, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication. For most women, their blood sugar levels go back to normal quickly after giving birth. But if you’ve had gestational diabetes, you face a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes is a health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The good news is, progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable. Adopting a balanced diet, being physically active and staying at a healthy weight can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal.
Diabetes symptoms may occur when blood sugar levels in the body become abnormally high. Symptoms vary depending on how much your blood sugar is elevated. Some people, especially those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, may sometimes not experience symptoms. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to come on quickly and be more severe. Recognizing the early symptoms can help prevent diabetes complications.
Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:
Gestational diabetes typically doesn’t have any symptoms. Your medical history and whether you have any risk factors may suggest to your doctor that you could have gestational diabetes, but you’ll need to be tested to know for sure.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes may have similar names, but they’re different diseases with unique causes and risk factors.
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:
You’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
Having too much glucose in your blood can cause complications over time, including:
Skin conditions, some of which are caused by changes in the small blood vessels and reduced circulation. People with diabetes are also more likely to have infections, including skin infections.
The primary test used to diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is known as the A1C (or glycated hemoglobin) test. This blood test determines your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months. Your doctor may draw your blood or give you a small finger prick. The higher your blood sugar levels have been over the past few months, the higher your A1C level will be. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher indicates diabetes.
While Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, it is possible to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes through these lifestyle changes:*
The key to treating it is to act quickly! You can do a lot to manage your gestational diabetes, including:
If healthy eating and being active aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe insulin, metformin, or other medication.
Sugar doesn’t directly cause type 2 diabetes. But you are more at risk of developing it if you are overweight. You gain weight when you take in more calories than your body needs, and high-sugar foods and beverages contain a lot of calories.
Avoiding foods that increase your blood sugar levels and drive insulin resistance can help keep you healthy and reduce your risk of future diabetes complications. People with diabetes or prediabetes should stay away from foods that contain unhealthy fats, liquid sugars, processed grains, and refined carbs, including:*
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