STUDY GUIDE
DIABETES: TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2
Type 1 Diabetes
1. Geographical Prevalence:
o More common in Northern Europe and North America, particularly in countries like
Finland and Sweden.
o It is less prevalent in Asia and South America.
2. Age of Onset:
o Typically develops in children, teenagers, or young adults, but can occur at any age.
Often diagnosed before the age of 14.
3. Causes:
o Autoimmune reaction where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing beta
cells in the pancreas.
4. Risk Factors:
o Family history of Type 1 Diabetes.
o Certain genes increase the likelihood.
o Geography: Higher incidence in countries farther from the equator.
5. Diagnosis:
o Blood tests: Fasting blood sugar test, random blood sugar test, A1C test.
o Testing for the presence of autoantibodies that indicate an autoimmune response.
o Urine tests for ketones, which are a sign of muscle and fat breakdown.
6. Common Treatments or Management:
o Insulin injections or insulin pumps to manage blood glucose levels.
o Regular blood sugar monitoring, typically through finger pricks or Continuous Glucose
Monitors (CGMs).
o A healthy diet and regular physical activity are essential.
7. How Lifestyle Changes Affect Management:
o Lifestyle adjustments like regular physical activity and balanced nutrition help maintain
stable blood sugar levels.
o Carb counting and insulin dose adjustment based on activity are crucial for
management.
8. Potential Long-term Effects of Unmanaged Diabetes:
o Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke).
o Nerve damage (neuropathy).
o Kidney damage (nephropathy).
o Eye damage (retinopathy) leading to blindness.
o Foot damage that can lead to amputation.
9. How These Long-term Effects Can Be Prevented or Minimized:
o Strict blood sugar control through insulin therapy, lifestyle changes, and regular
monitoring.
o Regular medical checkups to detect early signs of complications.
Type 2 Diabetes
1. Geographical Prevalence:
o Most prevalent in developed countries, particularly in North America, the Middle East,
South Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
o Growing rapidly in developing nations due to urbanization and lifestyle changes.
2. Age of Onset:
o Primarily develops in adults over 45, but increasingly diagnosed in younger adults,
teens, and children due to rising obesity rates.
3. Causes:
o Insulin resistance, where the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin.
o Pancreas eventually cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar.
o Influenced by genetics, lifestyle factors, and obesity.
4. Risk Factors:
o Obesity or being overweight.
o Lack of physical activity.
o Family history of diabetes.
o Poor diet high in sugars and fats.
o Age and ethnicity (higher risk in South Asian, African, and Hispanic populations).
5. Diagnosis:
o Blood tests similar to Type 1: Fasting blood sugar test, random blood sugar test.
o Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
o Regular screenings for those at risk (e.g., prediabetes).
6. Common Treatments or Management:
o Lifestyle changes: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management.
o Medications: Metformin is commonly prescribed to improve insulin sensitivity.
o Insulin therapy may be required in advanced cases if other treatments fail to control
blood sugar.
7. How Lifestyle Changes Affect Management:
o Healthy diet, weight loss, and regular exercise can drastically improve blood sugar
control and may reduce or eliminate the need for medications.
o Lifestyle changes are central to preventing the progression of Type 2 Diabetes and
managing it effectively.
8. Potential Long-term Effects of Unmanaged Diabetes:
o Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
o Nerve damage (neuropathy).
o Kidney damage (nephropathy).
o Eye damage (retinopathy).
o Increased risk of infections and foot problems that can lead to amputation.
9. How These Long-term Effects Can Be Prevented or Minimized:
o Maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, weight management).
o Regular monitoring of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
o Early intervention and treatment of complications like high blood pressure and high
cholesterol.
o Consistent follow-ups with healthcare providers.