What Is The Difference Between Type 1 Diabetes And Type 2 Diabetes
But in diabetes mellitus, this process goes wrong. The two types of diabetes differ in where this process breaks down.
Type 1 diabetes happens when the body stops making insulin. Without insulin, the cells starve because they cant get glucose. The sugar levels in the bloodstream also go up because the liver is prevented from taking the glucose out of the bloodstream and storing it. Only 5-10% of diabetics are type 1.
Type 2 diabetes is by far more common than type 1. In a Type 2 diabetic, the insulin receptors become defective and so instead of reading “I need glucose,” they read, “I need gulcose.” Some of the insulin doesnt bind with this defective receptor, not realizing that “gulcose” is actually “glucose.” Initially this is OK, because the pancreas puts out more insulin and enough of it recognizes the defective receptor so that things stay normal.
But as time goes by, these receptors gets more and more defective, requiring more and more insulin to overcome this defect and get cells the glucose they need. When the pancreas cant put out any more insulin, the glucose in the blood doesnt go to the cells or the liver, and so blood sugar levels in the bloodstream go up.
Why do the insulin receptors get defective? Researchers are trying to figure that out, but genetics clearly play a big role in this.
Just in case your head is swimming, Ill summarize:
Type 1 Diabetes happens when the body stops making insulin.
What Is An Endocrinologist
An Endocrinologist is a specialist who treats those with hormone imbalances from within the endocrine system, including thyroid disorders and diabetes. Many people who have trouble controlling their Type 2 Diabetes are often referred to an endocrinologist to have their medications reassessed. I work with my patients to manage their condition and often include a healthcare team made up of a nutritionist, a fitness trainer, their primary care physician, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, and cardiologist.
There are many benefits to seeing an endocrinologist when you have diabetes. They can help you gain control over the disease so that you maintain your best health and develop a management plan that works for you.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- How did I get diabetes?
- If I have diabetes, will my children develop it, too?
- Will I need to take insulin?
- If I dont have a family history of diabetes, can I still get it?
- Can your diabetes get worse even if you do everything right?
- Can I prevent gestational diabetes?
- If I had gestational diabetes while pregnant, will I get type 2 diabetes later?
- Will the babies of a mom with gestational diabetes develop diabetes?
- How can I tell the difference between Charcot foot and gout in my foot?
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Treatments For Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes, weight loss, exercise, then oral medications , and may need insulin hormone to help the body use glucose for energy. There are various types of medications and insulin that can be used, tailored to individual patient.
Lifestyle changes are a key component to managing Type 2 diabetes. Its important to stay within your recommended BMI, eat a balanced diet and get plenty of daily exercise. You and your doctor will find a treatment regime that works best for you. While some people depend on their family physician to manage their Type 2 diabetes, it is often beneficial to see an Endocrinologist.
How Should A Person With Diabetes Look After Their Feet While Preventing Calluses
- Take care of your diabetes follow your doctors advice regarding your diet and exercises and keep your blood sugar level well controlled.
- Check your feet daily for redness, sores, blisters, calluses, or any other foot problem, especially if your feet blood flow is poor.
- Wear well-fitting specially made diabetic footwear with insole cushioning
- Avoid wearing sandals with strips in between toes
- Try to wear covered shoes and slippers. Wear socks that fit your feet well.
- Moisturize your feet well and prevent them from drying. When your feet are hydrated, it will reduce the friction between your feet and shoes.
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Avoid soaking your feet for prolonged periods However, you can soak your feet in warm water and gently use a pumice stone or emery board to keep your calluses under control.
- Protect your feet from too much heat and cold.
- Use sterilized nail cutters and cut straight across. Use a nail file to smooth the edges. if you cannot do the trimming of nails by yourself, seek help from a podiatrist
- Avoid trimming your calluses by yourself
- Quit smoking if you do because it can worsen the blood flow to your feet.
- If you notice any change in your callus, visit your podiatrist and get proper foot care. It is best to check up with a podiatrist every 2 -3 months, even if you have any foot problems.
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Can Prediabetes Type 2 Diabetes And Gestational Diabetes Be Prevented
Although diabetes risk factors like family history and race cant be changed, there are other risk factors that you do have some control over. Adopting some of the healthy lifestyle habits listed below can improve these modifiable risk factors and help to decrease your chances of getting diabetes:
- Eat a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean or Dash diet. Keep a food diary and calorie count of everything you eat. Cutting 250 calories per day can help you lose ½ pound per week.
- Get physically active. Aim for 30 minutes a day at least five days a week. Start slow and work up to this amount or break up these minutes into more doable 10 minute segments. Walking is great exercise.
- Lose weight if you are overweight. Dont lose weight if you are pregnant, but check with your obstetrician about healthy weight gain during your pregnancy.
- Lower your stress. Learn relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, mindful meditation, yoga and other helpful strategies.
- Limit alcohol intake. Men should drink no more than two alcoholic beverages a day; women should drink no more than one.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep .
- Take medications to manage existing risk factors for heart disease or to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes as directed by your healthcare provider.
- If you think you have symptoms of prediabetes, see your provider.
Diabetes Doctors: Which Specialists Treat Diabetes
Diabetes impacts your blood sugar levels, and you might need various treatments. Several doctors can help you to manage your condition and maintain your health. The severity and type of your diabetes indicate the kind of specialists to treat you.
TheUAE is among the top nations with high numbers of diabetic patients.Figures from the International Diabetes Federation indicate that in2017, 425 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 years livedwith diabetes. Annual screening is necessary, especially if you havea relative with diabetes or have a body mass index of above 30. Itsalso important to exercise regularly and consume healthy foods.
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Can Diabetes Be Prevented Or Avoided
Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for diabetes. Although you may not be able to change all of them, you can make changes to significantly lower your risk.
- Exercise and weight control. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of diabetes. Any amount of activity is better than none. Try to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week. Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
- Diet. A diet high in fat, calories, and cholesterol increases your risk of diabetes. A poor diet can lead to obesity and other health problems. A healthy diet is high in fiber and low in fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar. Also, remember to watch your portion size. How much you eat is just as important as what you eat.
The Future Of Telemedicine For Diabetics
Nowadays, there are few endocrinologists or online diabetes doctors in the entire nation who can manage diabetes remotely without the patient needing to go to their office. Needless to say, you will not have to spend time driving to the doctors office. No more waiting in crowded waiting rooms see the doctor and then another wait in the exam room for the doctor to show up.
Telemedicine is a healthcare practice that has been used by people since the 19th century. A recent study conducted in four European Countries observed a growing number of donors, funding approaches, and policy-makers who advocated remote healthcare.
Chronic disease management with Telehealth and online diabetes care
By assisting with remote monitoring for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart failure, and pulmonary diseases, patients felt more in control of their health. Using telemedicine, a diabetes doctor will be able to monitor your blood sugars as frequently as needed without the need to call or show up to the doctors office.
All you have to do is check your blood sugar either with a continuous glucose monitor or use a typical meter and upload your results. The diabetes doctor will review the data.
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When To Call A Professional
If you have diabetes, see your doctor regularly.
People with high blood sugar levels have a higher risk of dehydration. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop vomiting or diarrhea and are not able to drink enough fluids.
Monitor your blood sugar as advised by your health care team. Report any significant deviations in blood sugar levels.
Get To Know Your Diabetes Care Team
It may surprise you to learn that you are the most important member of your diabetes care team.
After all, you are the one who has diabetes and who lives with it every day. Only you know how you feel and what you are willing and able to do.
You make the choices for:
- When and how you take medicine or inject insulin, if prescribed
- When you check your blood sugar and how you track the results
- What food you make and eat
- When and how often you exercise
And, of course, you are the first to notice any problems. Your diabetes care team depends on you to tell the truth about how you feel. You may work with many different kinds of health care providers who are part of your diabetes care team. These can include:
It is important to choose diabetes care team members who can provide the level of support you want and provide help when you need it. The more information you can give when you get help, the easier it is for someone to assist you. Be sure to write down questions and concerns to bring with you to your appointments.
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How Can I Exercise Safely And Effectively
Exercise is crucial for good diabetes management, but staying motivated isnt always easy. Talk with your endocrinologist about new exercise ideas for inspiration.;
Perhaps you need suggestions on how to winterize your running routine, or are recovering from an overuse injury and need fresh ideas.;
You may also be new to exercise, or are struggling with extreme highs or lows from it. Make sure to ask your endocrinologist about how you can better adjust your food intake and insulin for exercise in order to thrive.;
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or around 30 minutes most days of the week, so work with your doctor on how to reach at least that amount of exercise every week.;;
Yellow Reddish Or Brown Patches On Your Skin
Necrobiosis Lipoidica
This skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples. As it progresses, these bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin. The patches can be yellow, reddish, or brown.
You may also notice:
- The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance
- You can see blood vessels
- The skin is itchy and painful
- The skin disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive, and then active again
necrobiosis lipodica.
Take action
- Get tested for diabetes, if you have not been diagnosed.
- Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
- See a dermatologist about your skin. Necorbiosis lipodica is harmless, but it can lead to complications.
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What Are The Complications Of Diabetes
If your blood glucose level remains high over a long period of time, your bodys tissues and organs can be seriously damaged. Some complications can be life-threatening over time.
Complications include:
- Dental problems.
Complications of gestational diabetes:
In the mother:Preeclampsia , risk of gestational diabetes during future pregnancies and risk of diabetes later in life.
In the newborn: Higher-than-normal birth weight, low blood sugar , higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over time and death shortly after birth.
What Types Of Diabetes Require Insulin
People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin to live. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your body has attacked your pancreas, destroying the cells that make insulin. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas makes insulin, but it doesnt work as it should. In some people with Type 2 diabetes, insulin may be needed to help glucose move from your bloodstream to your bodys cells where its needed for energy. You may or may not need insulin if you have gestational diabetes. If you are pregnant or have Type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider will check your blood glucose level, assess other risk factors and determine a treatment approach which may include a combination of lifestyle changes, oral medications and insulin. Each person is unique and so is your treatment plan.
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What Kind Of Tests Do Endocrinologists Do
Your endocrinologist may request imaging exams to look at your endocrine system function. Thyroid ultrasound imaging may be used to look at your thyroids structure. A fine-needle aspiration can help rule out cancer in a thyroid nodule. A thyroid scan shows the size, shape and function of the thyroid gland.
When Should I Call My Doctor
If you havent been diagnosed with diabetes, you should see your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of diabetes. If you already have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should contact your provider if your blood glucose levels are outside of your target range, if current symptoms worsen or if you develop any new symptoms.
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What Should I Expect If I Have Been Diagnosed With Diabetes
If you have diabetes, the most important thing you can do is keep your blood glucose level within the target range recommended by your healthcare provider. In general, these targets are:
- Before a meal: between 80 and 130 mg/dL.
- About two hours after the start of a meal: less than 180 mg/dL.
You will need to closely follow a treatment plan, which will likely include following a customized diet plan, exercising 30 minutes five times a week, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Always take your medications and insulin as instructed by your provider.
Are There Other Treatment Options For Diabetes
Yes. There are two types of transplantations that might be an option for a select number of patients who have Type 1 diabetes. A pancreas transplant is possible. However, getting an organ transplant requires taking immune-suppressing drugs for the rest of your life and dealing with the side effects of these drugs. However, if the transplant is successful, youll likely be able to stop taking insulin.
Another type of transplant is a pancreatic islet transplant. In this transplant, clusters of islet cells are transplanted from an organ donor into your pancreas to replace those that have been destroyed.
Another treatment under research for Type 1 diabetes is immunotherapy. Since Type 1 is an immune system disease, immunotherapy holds promise as a way to use medication to turn off the parts of the immune system that cause Type 1 disease.
Bariatric surgery is another treatment option thats an indirect treatment for diabetes. Bariatric surgery is an option if you have Type 2 diabetes, are obese and considered a good candidate for this type of surgery. Much improved blood glucose levels are seen in people who have lost a significant amount of weight.
Of course other medications are prescribed to treat any existing health problems that contribute to increasing your risk of developing diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other heart-related diseases.
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Q: Is Podiatrist Toenail Trimming Covered By Insurance
Yes, this service may be covered for people with help issues that cannot help themselves. If your foot is in pain or has a health issue, a podiatrist is recommended to evaluate you, and this is a covered option.
If you have foot pain, please call our office and schedule a no-obligation consultation with our podiatrists to assess your eligibility for foot care.
What Does A Diabetes Specialist Do
What does a diabetes specialist do? An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who can provide expert advice on the management of diabetes. They know how to treat conditions that are often complex and involve many systems within your body.
What does a diabetic specialist do?;A diabetes specialist is called an endocrinologist. Endocrinologists specialize in the glands of the endocrine system. The pancreas is the gland involved in diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin, and problems with insulin are what managing your diabetes is about.
Why would you need to see an endocrinologist?;Endocrinologists are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid diseases, infertility, growth issues, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, some cancers, and disorders in the hormone-producing adrenal glands and pituitary glands.
What is a diabetic specialist called?;Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist is a doctor who has special training and experience in treating people with diabetes.
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