Currently, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be reversed with sustained weight loss, healthy eating, and physical activity, but ongoing management is usually necessary.
Can either form of diabetes be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be reversed with sustained weight loss, healthy eating, and physical activity, but ongoing management is usually necessary.
What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body stops producing insulin, often diagnosed in children or young adults. Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and is linked to insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively.
What are the signs and symptoms of each?
Both types share symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Type 1 often develops suddenly, while type 2 can come on gradually and may include blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or numbness in the hands or feet.
How are they diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests such as A1C, fasting glucose, or an oral glucose tolerance test. Type 1 may also involve testing for specific autoantibodies to confirm an autoimmune cause.
How are they treated?
Type 1 diabetes is managed with daily insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments. Type 2 is treated with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin or injectable medications if needed.