One persistent diabetes myth is that taking insulin can cause people with Type 2 diabetes to develop Type 1 diabetes, but this is not true.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share many characteristics. Despite the fact that both conditions are associated with high blood sugar levels, they differ significantly. However, the two conditions are distinct, and one does not gradually transform into the other. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, whereas a change in lifestyle usually causes Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects roughly 90-95 per cent of adults. Many people do not understand the boundary between the two conditions and are concerned that one will eventually evolve into the other. While this is not possible, they may be able to coexist.
This article counters the false notion that Type 2 diabetes can progress to Type 1 diabetes and examines the differences between the two.
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that prevents your body from producing insulin, which aids in the conversion of glucose into energy. When you don't have enough insulin, glucose builds up in your bloodstream (hyperglycemia). This condition is extremely harmful to the body.
This type of diabetes typically appears in children and adolescents between the ages of 4 to 16. Even though it is rare, Type 1 diabetes can unfold in adults. Juvenile diabetes used to be the name for the condition because it is typically discovered in young children.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
The condition known as Type 2 diabetes prevents your cells from properly utilising insulin. Your cells use insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, to allow sugar to enter and be converted to energy.
Your cells become resistant to insulin if you have Type 2 diabetes. This prevents the sugar from getting in and converting to energy. People over the age of 45 are most commonly affected by type 2 diabetes. Young adults, teenagers, and even children can experience it, though.
Can type 2 diabetes turn into Type 1?
Since the two conditions are caused by distinct factors, Type 2 diabetes cannot become Type 1 diabetes or vice versa. These two conditions, though, can coexist. Double or hybrid diabetes is what this is. Patients with type 2 diabetes cannot always keep their blood sugar in check merely by oral medications and that's when the insulin dosage came to their rescue.
Type 1.5 diabetes is a thing
The condition known as Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), is similar to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
LADA, like Type 2 diabetes, is diagnosed in adulthood and develops gradually. But unlike Type 2 diabetes, LADA is an autoimmune condition and cannot be reversed with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
LADA patients are typically older than 30. People with LADA are frequently misdiagnosed as having Type 2 diabetes because they are older when symptoms first appear than is typical for someone with Type 1 diabetes and because at first their pancreases still produce some insulin.
The ability to accurately define and diagnose these two types of diabetes has become increasingly challenging, giving rise to the creation of a new classification known as double or hybrid diabetes (also known as double diabetes), which manifests symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
The bottom line
Remember that Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes cannot be diagnosed together at the same time. Both are distinct metabolic conditions caused by different factors. Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as LADA, requires the correct diagnosis, especially if you have Type 2 diabetes and do not respond well to oral medications. The best way to go about this is through diet and exercise.
These two types of diabetes can coexist even though one cannot change into the other. Comprehensive management is required for the new variant - double diabetes. You can enhance your quality of life and even achieve remission with the appropriate strategy. If you suspect you may have diabetes, consult your doctor and start having diabetes meals. If you are at risk, have regular tests done.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/can-type-2-diabetes-turn-into-type-1#bottom-line
