Type II diabetes is being talked about a lot more lately; it’s becoming more and more common. It’s a disease that often catches a lot of people off guard when they are diagnosed. In addition, many don’t really know much about the disease until their doctors explain it to them.

In fact, a lot of people don’t understand the differences between Type I and Type II diabetes at all. Of the two types, Type II diabetes is preventable. It’s also crucial for people to know that both types can be deadly if their symptoms are ignored.

Type I Diabetes

Type I diabetes is usually diagnosed in children but it can show up later in life in some cases. Adults can develop Type I diabetes until they are around 40 years old. People with Type I diabetes have to receive medical attention to some extent because the disease won’t ever go away. No cure has been found for Type I diabetes yet.

Scientists still don’t know what exactly causes Type I diabetes, but they hypothesize that it is caused by a virus that attacks the insulin-producing cells. Some of the symptoms of Type I diabetes are dizziness, frequent thirst, weakness, vision problems, frequent urination, and dry mouth. Type I diabetes sufferers need to have insulin shots because their pancreas is not able to produce insulin. They also need to check their insulin levels often.

Type II Diabetes

Type II diabetes is more common among adults, but there are cases of children having it as well. It is uncommon for children to develop this type of diabetes, though, unless they are severely overweight. With Type II diabetes, the pancreas does produce the insulin but the body is not able to process the insulin and convert it to energy.

There is no definite way to prevent Type II diabetes from occurring, but you will have a much lower risk of getting it if you are not overweight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise often.

Some of the symptoms of Type II diabetes are the same as for Type I diabetes. Additional symptoms include itchy skin, aching legs, and prolonged recovery from illnesses. The symptoms are mild at first and then they get progressively worse over time.

People with Type II diabetes don’t need insulin shots but they do need to carefully watch what they eat. They need to follow a diet that consists mostly of complex carbohydrates and protein. Type II diabetics should avoid eating any simple sugars. Medication is usually not required, but it becomes a last resort in sever cases.

Type I and Type II diabetes require timely and correct diagnosis, as well as proper care. If you exhibit any of the symptoms of Type I or Type II diabetes, see your doctor right away.