Educate yourself on Diabetes .... Before it affects YOU!

Despite popular opinion, there are quite a few differences between the symptoms of a type 1 and a type 2 diabetic.

Also known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes occurs in childhood but can be diagnosed at any age. Type 1 diabetics are affected by Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus, an auto-immune disease that destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Without the body naturally producing insulin, type 1 diabetics must rely on insulin injections for the rest of their life.

Type 2 diabetics suffer from Non-Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Unlike type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetic's bodies are producing insulin in the pancreas, however it is not working as well as it should be. Eventually it can't make enough to keep the glucose balance right. Type 2 diabetics can use prescription medication and/or make lifestyle changes to manage their diabetes.

Symptoms of both Type 1 and Type diabetes sufferers are listed below:

Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms

• Polyuria (increased urine output)


• Polydipsia (Increased thirst)


• Polyphagia (Increased hunger)


• Blurred vision


• Unexplained weight loss


• Feeling tired or lethargic


• Cramps


• Headaches


• Mood swings


• Feeling dizzy

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

• Polyuria (increased urine output)


• Polydipsia (Increased thirst)


• Blurred vision


• Weight gain


• Weakness


• Fatigue


• Infections of extremities, vagina and respiratory tract


• Poor wound healing

Factors that can increase your chances of Type 2 diabetes include: Family history, Age (Increases as we get older), ethnic background (Aborigines, Torres Strait Islanders, Melanesian, Polynesian, Chinese or people from the Indian sub-continent), Women who have given birth to a child over 4.5kg or had gestational diabetes when pregnant or women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Other factors which may contribute to type 2 diabetes are:

• Lifestyle (level of physical activity and foods we eat)


• Cholesterol


• Smoking


• Weight


• Blood pressure

Be sure to check out http://educationfordiabetes.com for more diabetes related articles.