Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both serious conditions that require careful management. While type 2 diabetes is usually milder than type 1, it can still cause significant health complications. Both types of diabetes involve the body not producing enough insulin to properly regulate blood sugar levels. However, the causes and treatments for each type are different.
Type 1 diabetes is a genetic disorder that often manifests itself early in life. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. To diagnose type 1 diabetes, you'll need to have blood tests, one of which is called an A1C screening. Type 2 diabetes is more common in the U.
S. and is usually caused by lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise. With type 2 diabetes, the body still produces a small amount of insulin, but it is not effective enough. Some people with type 2 diabetes actually have “insulin resistance,” which means that the pancreas produces insulin but the body doesn't recognize it.
The main thing to remember is that both types of diabetes are as serious as the other. Having high blood glucose (or sugar) levels can cause serious health complications, regardless of whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Therefore, if you have either condition, you should take appropriate steps to manage it. At Life Line Screening, we have years of experience helping people prevent significant medical problems with vital early detection services, including A1C screenings.
We partner with community centers to help people have quick and easy access to the screening they want to stay on top of their health.