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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    My friend is injecting insulin, does that mean he has type 1 diabetes?

    I'm not sure if it is type 1 or type 2. I would appreciate your clarification.
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith
    • Natalie Wischer
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  • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    The short answer is "It depends." In general, people with Type 1 diabetes (which is an auto-immune disease) need insulin injections. People with Type 2 diabetes may need insulin injections if other treatments have not helped.

    You might find the information in these two links helpful:

    http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Living-with-Diabetes/Type-1-Diabetes/

    http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Living-with-Diabetes/Type-2-Diabetes/Managing-Type-2-Diabetes/

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  • Natalie Wischer

    Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Diabetes Educator

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    It is typical that when people are diagonosed with type 1 diabetes, they are often young (but not always), have a period of intensive thirst and frequent urination as well as weight loss. They usually become very unwell and once diagonsed go onto injecting insulin straight away. 

    Those diagnosed with type 2 needing insulin are usually older, overweight,  can have a family history of diabetes and have previously or still be on a variety of medications including tablets to assist in keeping their blood glucose levels down. 

    In saying all this, you may be able to work it out, but I am sure they will not mind you asking them directly especially if you are offering assistance in case of emergency. 

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