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 primary differences in management and lifestyle adjustments between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
**Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Endocrinologist and Diabetes Researcher**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. Let’s discuss the two main types of diabetes, particularly focusing on type 1 diabetes, which you specialize in.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! Yes, understanding diabetes is crucial, especially given its growing prevalence globally.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on what type 1 diabetes is?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. This condition often manifests in childhood, which can be quite challenging for both the patients and their families [[1](https://oceanstatestories.org/progress-and-hope-for-treatment-of-type-1-diabetes-t1d-an-autoimmune-form-of-the-disease-that-can-affect-children-and-adults-but-challenges-and-disparities-remain-as-scientists-work-toward-a-cure/)].
**Editor:** That’s concerning. So, does this mean that individuals with type 1 diabetes must rely on external sources of insulin?
**Dr. Carter:** Exactly. Since their bodies can’t produce insulin, people with type 1 diabetes need to administer insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels effectively. It’s a lifelong requirement, and managing it requires constant monitoring and adjustments based on various factors like diet, exercise, and stress [[1](https://oceanstatestories.org/progress-and-hope-for-treatment-of-type-1-diabetes-t1d-an-autoimmune-form-of-the-disease-that-can-affect-children-and-adults-but-challenges-and-disparities-remain-as-scientists-work-toward-a-cure/)].
**Editor:** Moving on to type 2 diabetes, how does it differ from type 1?
**Dr. Carter:** Type 2 diabetes is indeed more common and can develop later in life. It is characterized by the body’s reduced sensitivity to insulin or inadequate insulin production. Unlike type 1, it often has a strong link to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. It can be managed, and in some cases, even reversed with lifestyle changes, although medication may also be necessary [[1](https://oceanstatestories.org/progress-and-hope-for-treatment-of-type-1-diabetes-t1d-an-autoimmune-form-of-the-disease-that-can-affect-children-and-adults-but-challenges-and-disparities-remain-as-scientists-work-toward-a-cure/)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Carter. It’s clear that both types of diabetes require different approaches to treatment and management. What ongoing advancements do you see in type 1 diabetes treatment?
**Dr. Carter:** There is significant progress toward understanding and potentially curing type 1 diabetes. Researchers are exploring new treatments, including immunotherapies that aim to preserve beta cell function and innovative insulin delivery systems, such as closed-loop systems that automate insulin delivery based on real-time glucose monitoring [[1](https://oceanstatestories.org/progress-and-hope-for-treatment-of-type-1-diabetes-t1d-an-autoimmune-form-of-the-disease-that-can-affect-children-and-adults-but-challenges-and-disparities-remain-as-scientists-work-toward-a-cure/)]. There’s a lot of hope and action in this field!
**Editor:** It’s heartening to hear about these advancements. Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s essential to continue raising awareness about both types, as understanding these differences can lead to better management and support for those affected.