Diabetes
The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce insulin and treatment is required for life. It can be diagnosed at any age, but it is most common in children and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where your body cannot make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes does not work properly (insulin resistance).
- Type 2 is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 40 although it is increasingly being found in younger people and children, especially if they are overweight and not very physically active.
- Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to obesity and tends to run in families. It is more prevalent in people of South Asian and Afro-Caribbean descent.
- Many people with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure and cholesterol. They may need medication to help control these, to help reduce the risk of damage to key blood vessels alongside glucose lowering treatment.
- It is also the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of everyone living with diabetes, with the backbone of management focusing on healthy eating and exercise.
- Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may be prevented.
- It may be possible to prevent type 2 diabetes or stop it (remission) by losing weight and improving your diet.
Diabetes is never mild, but it can be managed:
- Being as physically active as possible improves insulin sensitivity.
- Aiming to keep blood glucose levels at your recommended targets can help protect the eyes, heart, kidneys and feet.
- What is your cholesterol level? If higher than recommended, cholesterol-lowering treatments (like statins) can help protect the heart.
- Regular blood pressure checks are important, as keeping at a recommended target level can help protect the heart and kidneys.
- Smoking is not good for health for several reasons, but adds risk when combined with diabetes. Both thicken the blood, encourage clot formation, and put a strain on the heart.
- Aiming for a healthy weight, even small amounts of weight loss, can contribute to improvements in both overall health and diabetes.
What is Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes?
Healthy Living is a free, online NHS programme that supports people to live well with type 2 diabetes. www.healthyliving.nhs.uk
It includes information and advice about:
- type 2 diabetes
- eating well
- becoming more active
- how to look after your body and mind
- other NHS services and support
- living with diabetes, including driving, working and travelling
You can use the Healthy Living programme whenever suits you, and for as long as you need – there is no limit to access so you can learn at your own pace. It can also be used alongside any other diabetes programmes or education you may be taking part in.
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