Misdiagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

It is estimated that 000 individuals 300, living in the western Pennsylvania area have been afflicted with diabetes. Yet though the disease is common, it is also complex and manifests itself in different ways.

For example, there is what is called Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, for which 5 to 10 percent of all patients suffer from, requires the taking of insulin and testing of blood sugar on a daily basis, and it can lead to poor vision, kidney problems, and poor circulation that can increase the chances of gangrene. Type 2 diabetes is a serious but less severe form of the disease. Nevertheless, there is often a misdiagnosis of Type 1 diabetes as being Type 2.

As one doctor explains, there is a huge misconception that Type 1 diabetes only arises in childhood cases, and that adult onset of diabetes only comes up in Type 2 cases. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, but misconceptions apparently arise even among the medical profession.

Type 1 diabetes requires a more aggressive form of treatment to prevent damage to the kidney or to the eyes. Therefore, hospitals need to be certain that doctors are trained in recognizing the differences between the two types of this disease, and to prescribe the correct treatment depending upon what type of diabetes the patient has.

Doctors should be testing for both types of diabetes if they do suspect a problem. If a client has been misdiagnosed and in the process suffers deterioration to their health, they may wish to consult with a medical malpractice attorney that can help them receive compensation for their injuries.

Source: Trib Live, “Local residents participate in study analyzing type 1 diabetes risk,” by Rachel Weaver, Oct. 22, 2012