March 27, 2024

How do you know if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

15 minutes

Today we're tackling a question we hear all the time: How do you tell Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes apart? We'll break it down by discussing their unique causes, symptoms, and treatments. Plus, we share the different diagnostic tests doctors use, ranging from basic blood sugar checks to specialized autoimmune tests for Type 1. Ever heard of Type 1.5 (LADA)? We will discuss the nuances behind Type 1.5 and treatment and more!

In This Episode We’ll Cover:

The differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Causes, symptoms, and treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Diagnostic methods for Type 1 and Type 2

How autoimmune testing is used to detect specific antibodies targeting the pancreas for Type 1

What Type 1.5 Diabetes is and its treatment

The different treatment approaches for Type 1, such as insulin therapy, a balanced diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring

The different treatment strategies for Type 2, including focusing on lifestyle changes, oral or injectable medications, and potential insulin therapy + MUCH MORE!

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For additional resources and shownotes, visit https://diabetesdigital.co/category/podcast/

Jenny’s Podcast Episode: How I Navigate Type 1 Diabetes as a Registered Dietitian

How to Know When it’s Time to Start Insulin

Tests to confirm Type 1:
These tests confirm the autoimmune basis of Type 1 diabetes by assessing specific antibodies associated with the condition. These include Islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICA), Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA), Insulinoma-associated-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A), and Insulin autoantibodies (IAA). Elevated levels of these antibodies indicate a higher likelihood of Type 1 diabetes.

Supplementary evaluations, such as a C-peptide test or an insulin assay test, may accompany the diabetes antibody panel to provide a more thorough assessment of the diabetes status. These tests, combined with the diabetes antibody panel, offer a comprehensive overview of the condition.

Interpretation of test results involves understanding that positive findings suggest the presence of antibodies associated with Type 1 diabetes or an increased risk of developing it. Conversely, negative results may indicate a lower probability of Type 1 diabetes, although some individuals with the condition may not exhibit these antibodies. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to grasp the implications of test outcomes for your specific circumstances.

Are you living with diabetes or prediabetes and seeking support from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist covered by insurance? Visit diabetesdigital.co to sign up for personalized, one-on-one nutrition counseling with one of our culturally aware and weight-inclusive Diabetes Dietitians today! Visit diabetesdigital.co/quiz to get started.

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By Wendy Lopez, Jessica Jones

4.9

23562,356 ratings