Hello, fellow first aid trainers! 👋🏼
Let’s delve into the fascinating world of diabetes – specifically, the distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. While this topic might not be part of your standard first aid courses, having a deeper understanding can greatly enrich your knowledge and prepare you for questions that may arise during your training sessions. So, let’s get started!
Type 1 Diabetes: The Basics
Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Key Points about Type 1 Diabetes:
- Typically diagnosed in children and young adults.
- Requires lifelong insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels.
- Cannot be prevented and is not related to lifestyle factors.
Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, or by insufficient insulin production. This type of diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.
Key Points about Type 2 Diabetes:
- Usually diagnosed in adults, but increasingly seen in children and adolescents.
- Can often be managed through lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, as well as oral medications and, in some cases, insulin therapy.
- Preventable or delayable through healthy lifestyle choices.
Why Understanding the Difference Matters
While Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have distinct causes and treatment approaches, both can have serious health consequences if not managed properly. By understanding the differences between the two types, you’ll be better equipped to recognise the signs and symptoms of diabetes in your trainees and provide appropriate support and guidance.
Conclusion
Although the intricacies of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may not be covered in your standard first aid courses, taking the time to deepen your understanding can enhance your expertise as a trainer and empower you to address any questions or concerns that may arise from your participants.
Keep learning, keep growing, and keep being a hero-maker!
2 Comments
Kate Midgley · June 11, 2024 at 11:44 am
Thanks for this Laura. Always good to delve further into our topics. I went on a day-long Diabetes course through the ambulance service. One thing that often comes up, from possibly older delegates, is the use of a Mars bar (seem to have gone out of fashion these days). We were advised that it could be used as a second step not the first turn-to. This is because the fat it contains, will slow the absorption of the sugar. However, I would advise using something more nutritious as the step 2!
Ceri Morris · June 12, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for the comment Kate! I also remember the Mars bar being spoken about when my little cousin was diagnosed with Type 1 so we always had one in the bag! But you are right in that it’s not the most effective/healthy option. Snacks/drinks to help symptoms of low blood sugar (hypo) can include things like; small glass of fruit juice or sugary fizzy drink, glucose or dextrose tablets, jelly babies/gummies, and fruit such as grapes, banana, raisins or oranges. Ceri 😊