Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes vs Type 2 Diabetes

Although most people know that there are two forms of diabetes, not everyone is familiar with the differences. In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels can become too high because the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively. Although both types of problems are basically the same, they are caused and treated differently. The main purpose of the Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes article is to examine the similarities and differences Between these two common diseases.

The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is an inherited disease that often occurs in childhood, while type 2 diabetes is usually related to lifestyle and develops over time. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and kills the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. In the past, many people thought there were only two forms of diabetes: type 1 for children and type 2 for adults. As medical research has progressed, doctors have learned that children can also develop type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

To better explain Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes, it is necessary to introduce each of these common diseases individually and then compare them. Insulin-dependent diabetes is another name for type 1 diabetes. It used to be known as juvenile diabetes because it often starts in childhood. It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s own antibodies attack the pancreas. Due to the damage, the organ can no longer produce insulin.

This type of diabetes can be caused by your genes. It can also occur as a result of problems with the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes (diabetic retinopathy), nerves (diabetic neuropathy), and kidneys (diabetic nephropathy) are the main causes of many of the health problems that type 1 diabetes can bring. The risk of heart disease and stroke is also increased in type 1 diabetics.

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

The body’s immune system defends itself against outside invaders, such as dangerous viruses and germs. This immunological response is thought to be the cause of type 1 diabetes. In people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s own healthy cells as foreign invaders. The pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin are attacked and destroyed by the immune system. After the body loses these beta cells, it is no longer able to produce insulin.

Why the immune system occasionally attacks the body’s own cells is unknown. It may be influenced by environmental and genetic factors, such as contact with viruses. Autoimmune diseases are still being researched. Type 1 diabetes is not triggered by a particular diet or lifestyle.

Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

  • Check your blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes, it is important to know your blood sugar level and check it regularly. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, you should check your blood glucose levels four to ten times a day. A small blood glucose meter, called a glucometer, measures blood glucose levels using a disposable test strip and a blood sample. Another option is to use a continuous glucometer, which has a sensor placed under the skin that automatically measures blood glucose every few minutes.
  • Using Insulin You must obtain insulin by other means because your body cannot make it on its own. There are several ways to obtain insulin, including frequent injections or a portable insulin pump that delivers fast-acting insulin in small, regular doses throughout the day through a thin tube.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet. You don’t have to restrict yourself much, but you should watch your carbohydrate intake and make sure you eat regularly without overeating. 
  • If you’re taking a fixed dose of insulin, it’s important that you keep your carbohydrate intake constant.
  • Get moving. Physical activity is important for overall health, but for type 1 diabetics, it can also help control blood sugar levels and improve the effectiveness of insulin in the body.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

  • increased urination and feeling very thirsty.
  • Peeing more than usual.
  • Increased hunger
  • blurred vision
  • severe fatigue and exhaustion
  • tingling in hands and feet
  • persistent wounds that are slow to heal
  • unexplained weight loss

Type 2 Diabetes

As we mentioned before to better explain Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes, it is necessary to introduce each of these common diseases individually and then compare them. Now it’s time to introduce Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly utilize insulin. Insulin resistance is a term used for people with type 2 diabetes. The most susceptible age group to this type of diabetes is middle age or older. It used to be known as adult-onset diabetes. However, due to childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes also affects children and adolescents.

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. About 28 million Americans have type 2 diabetes. Another 80 million people have prediabetes, which is elevated blood sugar but not yet diabetes.

Causes of type 2 diabetes

To help the body store and use sugar from food, the pancreas, an organ located under the stomach, secretes insulin when you’re healthy. Diabetes can result from one or more of the following causes:

– Insulin isn’t produced in your pancreas.

– Your pancreas produces very little insulin.

– The insulin isn’t working as well as it should in your body.

People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin differently than people with type 1 diabetes. However, the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas is insufficient, or the body isn’t able to recognize and use the insulin enough. Researchers don’t know exactly why some people develop insulin resistance and others don’t, but a number of lifestyle habits, such as lack of exercise and obesity, may play a role. Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes, unlike people with type 1 diabetes, often do not need to take insulin because their bodies still make a small amount of it. While there are medications such as metformin that can lower blood sugar, the main methods of treating type 2 diabetes are:

  • A healthy diet. The first and most important step in treating type 2 diabetes is to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding fatty and sugary foods on a regular basis.
  • Maintaining an active lifestyle is critical. Exercise can be done in a variety of ways. Find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your weekly schedule by trying multiple options.
  • Of course, if you try to improve your diet and exercise, this can be a side effect. Losing weight is less about the number on the scale and more about taking care of your body and reducing the stress on your pancreas.
  • Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels will become a habit for you. It is important that you check your blood glucose levels frequently throughout the day and adjust your diet and daily activities accordingly. Over time, you will discover the routine and balance that is most effective.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

  • Extreme thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Hunger
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Slowly swelling sores
  • Itchy, dry skin
  • Tingling in the feet
  • Distorted vision

Comparison Table for Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

In this table, we explain some of the main differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. With a quick glance, you can grasp the basic differences between these two diseases.

Point Of ComparisonType 1 DiabetesType 2 Diabetes
CauseYour pancreas cannot produce insulin because your body is attacking its cells.Your body is not producing enough insulin, or the insulin it is producing is not working effectively.
SymptomsIncreased urination and feeling very thirsty.
Peeing more than usual.
Increased hunger
blurred vision
 severe fatigue and exhaustion
tingling in hands and feet
persistent wounds that are slow to heal
unexplained weight loss
 
The symptoms of type 1 appear more quickly.
Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Hunger
Tiredness and fatigue
Weight loss
Slowly swelling sores
Itchy, dry skin
Tingling in the feet
Distorted vision
 
Because type 2 symptoms occur more slowly, they may be easier to recognize.
TreatmentCurrently, there is no treatment for type 1, but research is ongoing. To get type 1 under control, you need to take insulin to regulate your blood sugar.Type 2 diabetes can be treated better than type 1 diabetes in many ways. These include the use of medications, physical activity, and diet. People with type 2 may also receive insulin.
Harmful factorsThe etiology of type 1 diabetes is currently unknown.However, we do know that factors such as weight and ethnicity may increase the risk of developing type 2.
PreventionType 1 diabetes cannot be prevented at present.Be sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise, avoid or quit smoking, and follow your doctor’s advice if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
Comparison Table: Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA)

Because LADA is also an autoimmune disease, it is considered by many medical professionals to be the adult version of type 1 diabetes. People with LADA lose their islet cells in the pancreas, much like type 1 diabetes. However, this process is much slower. Once it begins, it can take several months to years for the pancreas to stop producing insulin.
Others refer to LADA as “type 1.5” diabetes and place it midway between types 1 and 2. These scientists believe there is a spectrum of diabetes.

Summary

Diabetes is a serious disease. Currently, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, although insulin and other medications can help control symptoms. Both forms of diabetes may have a genetic component, but a healthy, active lifestyle can help people lower their risk and control the progression of the disease. Anyone with prediabetes should maintain a healthy lifestyle, as this can reduce or eliminate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

We also invite you not to miss our other popular articles such as Vegan vs Vegetarian, Medicare vs Medicaid, and Psychologist vs Psychiatrist,

Resources

https://www.webmd.com

https://en.wikipedia.org

https://www.diabetes.org.uk

https://www.healthline.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *