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 diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Turner, Endocrinologist, on Diabetes Types and LADA**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Turner! Thank you for joining us today to talk about diabetes, especially the autoimmune aspects and the different types.
**Dr. Turner:** Thank you for having me! It’s important to clarify these distinctions as diabetes can be complex.
**Editor:** Let’s start with Type 1 diabetes. You mentioned it is considered an autoimmune condition. Can you explain what that means for those who may not be familiar with it?
**Dr. Turner:** Certainly! In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system incorrectly identifies the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, known as beta cells, as harmful. This autoimmune attack leads to the gradual destruction of these cells, resulting in little or no insulin production. This type of diabetes usually manifests in childhood or adolescence, but it can occur at any age.
**Editor:** that sounds quite serious. Now, you also mentioned the more common Type 2 diabetes. How does it differ from Type 1?
**Dr. Turner:** Type 2 diabetes is characterized primarily by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Over time, the pancreas may also produce insufficient insulin to manage blood glucose levels adequately. It typically develops later in life, often associated with lifestyle factors and obesity.
**Editor:** I recently read about Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). How does this condition differ from the traditional types of diabetes we just discussed?
**Dr. Turner:** LADA is indeed quite fascinating. It is a form of autoimmune diabetes that occurs in adults, typically between 30 and 50 years of age. While it shares characteristics with Type 1 diabetes, such as the autoimmune attack on beta cells, it can initially present similarly to Type 2, sometimes with insulin resistance. Over time, however, individuals with LADA usually require insulin therapy as their beta cells become progressively destroyed [[1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9273866/)].
**Editor:** That’s a critical distinction! What role does metabolic syndrome play concerning these diabetes types?
**Dr. Turner:** Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions, including obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, that increase the risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Individuals with metabolic syndrome often experience insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, those with LADA may have some components of metabolic syndrome but are fundamentally dealing with an autoimmune aspect rather than a purely lifestyle-induced one [[1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9273866/)].
**Editor:** Thank you for that clarification. As awareness grows about these conditions, what is the key takeaway for our viewers?
**Dr. Turner:** Understanding the differences between Type 1, Type 2, and LADA is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Each type requires a tailored approach, and awareness can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for patients.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Turner, for sharing your insights on this important topic.
**Dr. Turner:** My pleasure! It’s vital to keep the discussion going about diabetes awareness and management.
