How Can You Tell If You Have Type 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious health condition, which occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. There are many different types of diabetes, but in all cases, the condition prevents glucose entering the cells, leading to too much glucose entering the bloodstream. 

In some cases, the symptoms are obvious, but sometimes they can be gradual, and the person may not even realise that they are diabetic. The condition can be managed and even reversed with the right treatment, but it’s important that it is diagnosed early to avoid more serious complications developing. 

According to Diabetes UK, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with the condition, with about 4.6 million patients in the UK.  

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are two main types of diabetes, referred to as type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body can’t produce any insulin at all, and it is not certain why some people are prone to it. However, only about 10% of cases are type 1, and 90% of  people with diabetes have type 2.

 What are the main signs that you may have diabetes?

There are some common symptoms of diabetes, although these may vary between individuals. Type 1 diabetes usually develops more rapidly, and the person is likely to be diagnosed more quickly. However, type 2 diabetes symptoms can be overlooked or mistaken for something else.

No matter what kind of diabetes you have, the most frequent symptoms include feeling more tired than usual, excessive thirst, blurred vision, weight loss, frequent urination, and wounds that take a long time to heal. 

The symptoms occur because the body can’t access enough glucose for energy, and it tries to flush out the glucose that is building up in the blood through urination. However, it’s important to remember that the condition can occur without any obvious symptoms, or with very slow onset and subtle symptoms. 

Who is at risk of developing diabetes?

Genetics, ethnicity, and lifestyle choices all play a role in diabetes. However, type 1 diabetes is not triggered by diet or lifestyle, whereas type 2 can be. Other risk factors include age, having a close family member with the condition, and body shape. People who carry extra weight around the waist can be more likely to develop diabetes. 

Leading a sedentary lifestyle where you spend too much time sitting down and not taking regular exercise can increase the risk of diabetes. Being overweight and eating and drinking too many sugary and fatty foods can also trigger type 2 diabetes, as can smoking and drinking too much alcohol.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

If you suspect that you may have diabetes, it’s important to visit your GP as soon as possible. The condition is diagnosed after a blood and urine test to check your blood sugar levels. Depending on the type of diabetes, the patient may be advised to make some diet and lifestyle changes, or be prescribed medication.

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