What criteria establishes the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Also, the literature suggests patients with type 2 generally have high blood pressure, but my 17-year-old daughter has type 1 and very high blood pressure. Getting her glucose under control didn’t help and she is now on lisinopril 10mg daily. And, lastly, would taking omega 3 fish oil be beneficial in any way?

High blood pressure can occur associated with obesity and also with longstanding poorly controlled diabetes of either type. Family genetics also plays a significant role, as do kidney and heart problems. In type 1 diabetes, especially with concomitant obesity, hypertension can co-exist and chronic hyperglycemia is a known risk factor. Identifying hypertension and treating, usually with an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril, is often first line treatment. Over years, often one may need a second or even third blood pressure medication but it all depends upon ability to control the hypertension.

Type 1 diabetes is felt to be an autoimmune disorder most of the time with positive blood pancreatic antibodies. Usually. patients are at a younger age at onset but there are a lot of exceptions, so adults who are thin can also get type 1 diabetes. There is an intermediate form with positive antibodies also in adults called LADA. Type 2 is mostly older age onset but is obesity associated. As children around the world get more obese earlier, we are seeing more type 2 diabetes also in children, not just in adults.

SB