The first type is known as an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body and kills the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This type of diabetes generally develops in childhood.
The second type is the most common, in which the body produces little insulin, which may not perform its role in absorbing glucose from the body’s cells. This condition generally develops with age and is related to lifestyle.
It is important to know how diabetes can appear on the body, as individuals often develop this chronic condition without showing early symptoms.
Studies have shown that skin problems are often the first visible signs of diabetes.
Pharmacist Bruce Green said that the skin of a diabetic may look similar to the skin of an elderly person. He explained that the process of changing the skin is a process called glycation, which is a non-enzymatic process responsible for many large and small vascular complications in diabetes, and has a role in some diseases of aging.
He pointed out that skin problems are more common among people with diabetes due to poor blood circulation and loss of sensitivity in the nerves.
Green revealed six major warning signs appearing on the skin that you should be aware of:
1. Yellow or brown spots or bumps
2. A dark area of skin that feels velvety, especially around the neck and armpits
3. Thick, hard skin patches, especially on the fingers and toes
4. Sudden appearance of pimples
5. Skin spots – small, barely noticeable indentations on the skin
6. Dry and itchy skin, especially on the arms, legs, elbows and feet
However, these are not the only symptoms you should be aware of, as the main symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, or urinating more than usual, especially at night.
Extreme fatigue throughout the day, unintended weight loss, itching around the genitals, frequent bouts of thrush, and vision changes are the main warning symptoms of the disease.
Source: The Sun
#skin #signs #diabetes
What are the key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in terms of causes and management?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Endocrinologist, on Understanding Diabetes Types**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. Let’s dive into the two main types of diabetes. Can you explain what distinguishes Type 1 from Type 2 diabetes?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely! Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This typically manifests in childhood or early adulthood, which is why it’s often referred to as juvenile diabetes. Patients with Type 1 require lifelong insulin therapy because their bodies produce little to no insulin.
**Editor:** That sounds quite serious and sudden. How about Type 2 diabetes?
**Dr. Carter:** Type 2 diabetes is much more common and usually develops in adults, though we’re seeing it increasingly in younger populations due to rising obesity rates. In this type, the pancreas may still produce insulin, but the body becomes resistant to it, meaning it doesn’t work effectively enough to absorb glucose. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which over time, can result in various health complications if not properly managed.
**Editor:** It seems like both types involve insulin but in very different ways. What are some common challenges that individuals living with diabetes face?
**Dr. Carter:** Living with any type of diabetes comes with its own set of challenges. For those with Type 1, managing blood sugar levels can be tricky, especially with factors like diet, exercise, and hormonal changes. They need to continuously monitor their blood glucose and adjust their insulin accordingly. For Type 2 diabetes patients, lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are crucial, but many struggle to make these changes. Moreover, both types can lead to long-term health issues, including cardiovascular problems, if blood glucose targets are not met[[1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809096/)].
**Editor:** Thank you for shedding light on these important aspects, Dr. Carter. It’s clear that diabetes management is critical to maintaining overall health.
**Dr. Carter:** You’re welcome! Awareness and education are key. The more people understand diabetes, the better they can manage it and prevent complications.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights today. It’s essential for our audience to be informed about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as they navigate their health journeys.
