There may be several reasons why you’re reading this article. It could just be a desire to get more information about Type 1 vs Type 2 diabetes symptoms because you or someone close to you has a diagnosis. However, if you’re reading this because you’re worried about your health or that of a family member, diabetes screening is the best solution, and there’s no time like the present. All the same, you might want to see if you have cause for concern, so we’ll run through the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes next. But before we begin, let’s explain each of the two conditions.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

In Type 1 diabetes, the body becomes unable to produce insulin, a hormone that “tells” it how to regulate its blood sugar level. It’s generally believed to be caused by an autoimmune dysfunction that causes your immune system to attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

In Type 2 diabetes, your body continues to produce insulin - but it either fails to produce enough of it, or your body has developed resistance to insulin and doesn’t respond to it. There are several reasons why one might develop Type 2 diabetes. Genetic factors seem to play a role, and lifestyle factors, particularly excess weight and physical inactivity, have strong links to Type 2 diabetes. Besides this, a history of gestational diabetes is a risk factor. However, Type 2 diabetes can also be caused by genetic mutations, damage to the pancreas itself, or hormonal diseases such as Cushing’s Syndrome.

Common Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

As we have seen, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are related to insulin which either isn’t present, or isn’t able to do its job of regulating blood sugar levels. The primary difference between the two types of diabetes is their causes. As a result, both conditions have symptoms in common.

Increased Thirst and Urination

When blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys have to work harder. They’ll do their best to get rid of the excess glucose, excreting it in urine. That means that the kidneys get rid of water too. Urination becomes more frequent, and if you become dehydrated because of the water loss, you’ll feel thirsty.

Increased Hunger

Your cells use sugars for energy and insulin tells your body to use sugar from your bloodstream. Since this message isn’t getting across, your cells can’t get the glucose they need. Your body decides that you probably need to eat something to top up your blood sugar level even though it may already be too high, and sends out the alarm that is hunger.

Blurred Vision

Elevated blood glucose can cause changes in the lens of the eye making it harder to focus and causing blurred vision. The swelling subsides as blood sugar normalises, and vision returns to normal. However, diabetes can also cause damage to the back of the eyes – a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.  You will get yearly eye checks to monitor for this and prevent serious damage like permanently reduced vision or blindness.

Increased Fatigue

Since diabetes prevents your cells from taking glucose out of your bloodstream, they don’t have access to their energy source – and you experience the effects of that. You may feel unusually tired out and lacking in energy.

Tingling, Numb, or Painful Hands and Feet

Elevated levels of glucose in the blood can cause nerve damage. The symptoms begin in the extremities - hands and feet - and the interrupted nerve signals cause tingling, numbness or pain.

Wounds That Take a Long Time to Heal

Besides affecting the nerves, untreated or poorly managed diabetes has a negative effect on blood circulation.  Wounds may take longer to heal, heal poorly or have a higher risk of becoming infected.  

Unexpected Weight Loss

When there’s too much glucose in your blood, insulin tells your body to use it or store it as fat. But when it can’t use the glucose in your blood, you start using your stored fat reserves and your body will even burn up muscle tissue in its search for fuel.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms: Is There a Difference?

While the symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are very similar, when and how fast they develop differs. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs among young people - even children, and more rarely in adults. Its onset is sudden, and symptoms develop and progress very quickly.

Type 2 diabetes is more common among adults than children, and the slowness with which its symptoms develop and progress means that people may fail to notice a difference in their health until the condition is quite advanced.

Worried That You May Have Diabetes? Here’s What to Do

Do you recognise any of the symptoms we’ve listed above? Even if it’s only one of them, you may have diabetes. Don’t delay visiting your doctor. If you don’t have diabetes, it will be one less thing to worry about. If you do, your diabetes treatment can help to prevent the permanent damage caused by high blood sugar levels from progressing unchecked.

People with Type 1 diabetes will be very sure that something is wrong and are likely to seek out help fast, but because Type 2 diabetes progresses so slowly, you may have had it for years and not have noticed how it’s affecting your health. A simple blood test will settle the question and if you have diabetes, getting treatment is a priority.

Good Diabetes Management Means a Longer, Healthier Life

If you have diabetes, sticking with treatment and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle can go a long way towards living longer and improving your quality of life. It all comes down to regulating your blood sugar levels carefully since your body no longer does so automatically. Already received a diabetes diagnosis? Don’t despair! It’s time for positive action, and we're confident that you can rise to the challenge.

Thinking of getting life insurance to protect your family just in case the worst happens? It’s something everyone should do, and we encourage you to go ahead! However, many insurance companies won’t be very encouraging when you disclose your diagnosis to them.

That’s why you need life insurance from Blueberry Life! Skip the months-long waits, the doctor’s visits and the rigamarole and get a fair deal at the same time. Our team of doctors and underwriters knows that you can enjoy a long and healthy life - even if you’re living with a chronic condition like Type 2 diabetes. Since that’s just what you plan to do, it’s time we worked together! Find out more about our specialised life insurance for chronic conditions - and apply today. All it takes is a few minutes of your time.

‍

Reviewed by Dr. Kingshuk Pal