What Is The Difference between Type 1 and 2 Diabetes?

What is the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes? The former is termed an autoimmune disease that restricts insulin production whereas the latter is a progressive disease since it inhibits insulin response.

Glucose is a crucial nutrient for the body cells. It enters the cells with the assistance of insulin to provide energy for daily activities and functions. According to science, a healthy body is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. But many people lead an unhealthy lifestyles.

Poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle has led to emergency of many underlying health conditions. Some of these conditions make the body unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic high blood sugar level issues. These conditions usually result in complications related to diabetes. We recommend seeking medical assistance from a professional doctor.

This article provides comprehensive information regarding the difference between type 1 and types 2 diabetes. You will also have the opportunity to learn the similarities between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

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Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes (With Table)

Basic Terms Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Description It is an autoimmune disease. It a health condition where the body’s immune system attack and destroy beta cells of the pancreases. It is a progressive disease. The body is unable to make use of insulin as per the requirement.
Causes The immune system attacking and destroying cells responsible for insulin production.

The cells become unable to absorb the energy from the blood.

 The body becomes unable to make use of insulin in the right way.

The body becomes resistant to insulin triggering the pancreases to release less insulin.
Age of Onset Common in children and young adults. Common in senior people and less often in children.
Signs and Symptoms
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • General weakness and fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Extreme thirst and hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Skin infection
  • Irritability
  • Frequent urination
  •  Dry and itchy skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Weight loss
  • Skin numbness
Test and Diagnosis
  • Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
  • AIC Test
  • Random Plasma Glucose Test
  • FPG Test
  • AIC Test
  • RPG Test
Complications
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Mumps
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Ulcers
  • Kidney diseases
  • Ketoacidosis
  • Low blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Nephropathy
  • Neuropathy
Treatment
  • Oral medication
  • Healthy diet
  • Physical exercise
  • Insulin injection
  • Taking diabetic medications
  • Insulin injection
  • Regular exercise
  • Control blood pressure
Prevention Cannot be prevented. Can be delayed through properly balanced diet.
How Common Is Less common Quite common
Risk Factors
  • Family
  • Age
  • Geography
  • Genetics
  • Prediabetics
  • Obesity
  • A lot of belly fat
  • Physically inactive

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What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

It is a condition where the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin due to autoimmune disease. The disease usually attacks and destroys beta cells responsible for insulin production.

The beta cells get less energy from the blood and this inhibits their normal functions. Insulin is known for transporting sugar from the blood to the tissues.

Excess glucose accumulation in the blood usually starves the beta cells. It results in high blood pressure, weight loss, diabetic ketoacidosis, frequent urination, and dehydration.

Type 1 diabetes is common in children and sometimes adults. Some of the common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, belly pain, dry mouth, and increased hunger.

The health problem cannot be prevented. Taking medications and following a proper diet will help in treating the health condition. We recommend consulting a professional doctor for insulin injections.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

It is a health condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a life-long condition that can happen at any time of life.

Type 2 diabetes is common in senior people and sometimes young adults. The insulin resistance effect results in excess accumulation of glucose in the blood.

Type 2 diabetes is genetic, overweight issues, metabolic syndrome, and destroyed beta cells. Some symptoms are blurred vision, numbness of hands and feet, frequent urination, and poor healing of wounds.

Risk factors that foster Type 1 diabetes are stress, lack of physical activities, smoking, sleeping too much, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

The condition can be managed by medications and a proper diet. We recommend visiting a professional doctor for an insulin injection.

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Main Difference between Type 1 and 2 Diabetes

  1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease.
  2. Type 1 diabetes symptoms occur more quickly. Type 2 diabetes symptoms occur slowly.
  3. Type 1 diabetes is managed by insulin injection. Type 2 diabetes is managed by medications and exercise.
  4. Type 1 diabetes has no cure and cannot be prevented. Type 2 can be treated and prevented through medication or physical activities.

Similarities between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

  1. Both occur when the body is unable to store and use glucose.
  2. Both have no cure.
  3. Both can be managed by insulin injection.
  4. Both come with a lot of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Type 1 Diabetes Permanent?

Absolutely. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition. The patient needs to seek medication from a professional doctor to help in managing the condition.

Can Type 2 Diabetes Go Away?

Not really. Type 2 diabetes has no cure. But patients on remission have reported non-diabetic range values while under supervised medication.

Can You Reverse Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes was seen to be irreversible and progressive after diagnosis. According to research, Type 1 diabetes can be reversed through a proper diet plan.

Can Type 1 Diabetics Have Babies?

Yes. But pregnant women will find it challenging to manage the diabetic condition. Research shows that pregnant women need to have proper sugar control during the period.

In Conclusion

Diabetes is a serious health condition. Preventing type 1 and 2 diabetes is quite challenging. The patients need insulin injections from a professional doctor.

The main difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is triggered by autoimmune disease whereas type 2 diabetes by progressive disease.

Any person diagnoses with prediabetes need to have a healthy lifestyle and properly balanced diet. It will help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

More Sources and References

https://health.usnews.com/conditions/diabetes/differences-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes

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