Table of Contents
Introduction
The CDC estimates that one in ten people have diabetes. A multitude of diseases and illnesses can lead to diabetes, a chronic, lifelong disorder. It is characterised by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. The common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 vs type 2 diabetes is not a new discussion among people. Although elevated blood glucose levels are a common feature of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there are several key distinctions between the two diseases.
Overview on Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition marked by elevated blood sugar (glucose), which cannot be converted to energy by your body. Although glucose is converted to energy, the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, is required to transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. If insulin is absent, glucose cannot be transported throughout the body and builds up in the blood. Therefore, a person is more likely to develop diabetes at any stage if insulin is either missing or in insufficient amounts.
Diabetes patients, as well as their family, friends, and coworkers, should be prepared to act immediately and responsibly at the first hint of high or low sugar symptoms. Knowing that most individuals might get diabetes without being able to avoid it—especially if they are obese or have a family history of the disease—makes it crucial to understand type 1 vs type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Most cases of type 1 diabetes, commonly known as juvenile-onset diabetes, occur in children and teens. Because type 1 diabetes prevents the body from producing insulin, cells cannot absorb blood sugar.
When you have type 1 diabetes, your immune system damages the cells that produce insulin in your body. Thus, regular insulin administration is also necessary for survival. However, if type 1 diabetes patients take too much insulin, they may have low sugar symptoms. Therefore, you must monitor your blood glucose levels if you have type 1 diabetes. Low blood sugar is typically caused by overtreatment such as excessive dose of diabetic medication or undereating. Common low sugar symptoms include sweating, racing heartbeat, shaking, and hunger.
The problems caused by type 1 diabetes include:
- Severe renal failure
- Loss of sensation in your limbs
- Severe nerve damage
- Significant heart and blood vessel disease
Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the body may become intolerant to insulin, even if it is present in a sufficient amount. But your body can’t adequately utilise the insulin. As a result of these nutrients being unable to enter your cells, glucose is building up in your blood.
Type 2 diabetes may strike anyone at any age and is often brought on by years of unhealthful food and inactivity. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent in kids and young people. It is most likely a result of the prevalence of low-quality processed food and obesity in many nations.
The problems caused by type 2 diabetes include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Glaucoma and cataracts
- Hearing issues
- Slow wound and infection healing
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes
| Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | |
| Cause | It happens when the body uses antibodies to fight its pancreas, causing the organ to be damaged and unable to generate insulin. | It happens when the pancreas fails to generate enough insulin, or the body’s cells reject the excess insulin. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms of type 1 diabetes typically appear significantly earlier in life. Type 1 diabetes will often be identified between the ages of 2 and 15 years. | Most type 2 diabetes cases begin in people over the age of 50 years. At an early stage, the symptoms can be vague, which leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment. |
| Diagnosis | Undiagnosed conditions are caused by genetic, environmental, and auto-immune factors. | Metabolic syndrome, increased birth weight, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and impaired placental development have a hereditary relationship. |
Treatment for Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin replacement is the sole therapy for type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have the potentially fatal illness known as diabetic ketoacidosis. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes can be controlled with a healthy diet, exercise, prescription drugs, and insulin.
Conclusion
There are basic similarities and differences in type 1 vs type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a hereditary illness that usually manifests itself early in life, whereas type 2 diabetes develops over time, primarily due to diet. Your body does not create enough insulin in both circumstances to appropriately manage your blood sugar, but for different reasons.
Very high and low sugar symptoms can also impact your diabetes, so maintain appropriate blood sugar levels. If you suspect diabetes, immediately consult your primary care physician.
