Type 1 and type 2 diabetes: which is more dangerous?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body makes little or no insulin, so insulin treatment is needed to move glucose into cells. A missed dose or illness can cause glucose to rise quickly and may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Low glucose, called Hypoglycaemia, can also happen during treatment.

Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and, later, reduced insulin production. It may develop gradually, with few early symptoms. Persistently high glucose can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet and blood vessels. Complications can include Chronic Kidney Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, Peripheral Arterial Disease and Stroke. These are risks, not predictions.

Use the treatment plan agreed with your clinician, check glucose as advised, and learn how food, activity, illness and medicines affect readings. Do not stop insulin or prescribed medicines without advice. Regular reviews can check blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, feet and eyes. Foot skin breaks deserve prompt attention because diabetes can make infection, including Cellulitis, harder to notice.

Seek urgent medical help for severe thirst with repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, confusion, fainting, or unusual drowsiness. Treat suspected low glucose according to your personal plan; urgent help is needed if the person cannot swallow, has a seizure, or does not recover. A new foot wound, spreading redness or fever also needs prompt assessment.

Ask which glucose targets apply to you, how to adjust treatment during illness, how to recognise a low or high reading, and which kidney, eye, nerve and foot checks you need.