Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: Know the difference

Like most people, you probably know that excess sugar consumption is bad and it causes diabetes. But do you know that there are two types of diabetes? You might also be surprised to know that approximately 537 million adults between 20-79 years are living with diabetes. Also, three in four adults with diabetes live in countries with low or middle-income levels. Even though the same fundamental issue causes both type 1 and 2 diabetes, there are some differences between them. Read this article to learn about both types of diabetes.

Overview

Type 1 diabetes is not a common problem. In fact, only 8 percent of diabetics have Type 1 diabetes, while the remaining 80% have Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is ten times less frequent than Type 2 diabetes. When the immune system damages the pancreas, the body loses its ability to produce insulin, which results in Type 1 diabetes. Insulin production in the body is impaired in Type 1 diabetes.

In people with Type 2 diabetes, their bodies produce insufficient insulin to lower blood sugar levels or become resistant to insulin. In modern medicine, the only recognized risk factor for Type 1 diabetes is family history.

Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle, old age, family history, obesity, usage of specific drugs, and ethnicity are recognized risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity

Most individuals with Type 1 diabetes are likely to be somewhat slimmer. You can’t see many people with Type 1 diabetes with obesity problems. Conversely, most individuals with Type 2 diabetes will have an obesity problem. The body’s fat content also largely influences the insulin resistance.

Symptoms

Do you know that it’s common for people with diabetes to feel angry, depressed or anxious?

Type 1 diabetes symptoms appear significantly earlier in life. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed between the ages of two and fifteen. On the other hand, most incidences of Type 2 diabetes occur in those who are over 50. In most cases, Type 1 diabetes symptoms appear unexpectedly. Medical tests will show that the patient lacks insulin in the body, and symptoms may include a rapid fever, extreme dehydration, frequent urination, ketones in the urine, or possibly a coma.

On the other hand, it could take several months to diagnose the condition. Some people may experience a few months or years of prediabetes, a milder form of diabetes, before fully developing Type 2 diabetes.

Treatment for Diabetes

Are you diagnosed with diabetes, and it hurts you? Don’t worry, because you can learn to manage it with time. Insulin replacement is the only treatment for type 1 diabetes. There is no other treatment for Type 1 diabetes as it is an auto-immune disease. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with insulin, diet, weight loss, and/or medication. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a potentially fatal illness that people with Type 1 diabetes frequently develop.

Those with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience a hyperosmolar coma because of the elevated blood glucose levels. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be lessened or even fully eradicated with lifestyle modifications. Type 1 diabetes cannot be cured, and insulin treatment is necessary for the rest of one's life.

Diabetes can be managed with proper care

All diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar and insulin levels regularly with their doctor, regardless of age. Diabetes is not a benign condition and can lead to severe consequences if left untreated. It can cause kidney failure, blindness, limb loss, heart attacks, strokes, and even early death. But don’t be scared, because you can still enjoy your sweets with diabetes!

Final thoughts

Getting a diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t live your life to the fullest. With the help of medical professionals, you can figure out the right lifestyle and medications that allow you to live your life to the fullest.