Difference Between Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: Key Differences You Need to Know
Diabetes is a common disease that affects people of different age groups. Around 537 million adults in the world have diabetes. Insulin deficiency results from type 1 diabetes, and insulin resistance is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Let us understand the major differences between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) based on numerous parameters.
Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes, symptoms, and risk factors. The table below highlights the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, based on some parameters:
| Parameters | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Causes | The body's immune system targets the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. As a result, the organ is unable to produce insulin. | Your body grows resistant to insulin, and the pancreas produces less of it than it once did. It indicates that even if your body contains insulin, it can no longer use it. |
| Symptoms | T1D symptoms may rapidly appear, leading to the development of diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA). It is a life-threatening condition that leads to laboured breathing, nausea, vomiting, and a fruity-smelling breath. | The development of T2D is often gradual. You can see symptoms emerging before more obvious ones. High blood sugar levels may be detected by routine blood testing, and darker skin on specific body areas can also be a symptom. |
| Risk factors | Individuals who have a parent or sibling who has T1D are more likely to have the disease themselves. T1D may appear at any age, but it is common among children and adolescents. | Physical inactivity, excessive body weight and belly fat, high blood sugar levels, age over 45, family relations with T2D, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are the common risk factors for type 2 diabetes. |
| Treatment | There is no specific cure for T1D. Continuously checking and managing blood sugar levels, using injections, and supplying a particular amount of insulin into your body may help manage T1D. | T2D can be managed and controlled by monitoring blood sugar levels, daily exercise, and a prescribed diet and medication. It may require insulin in advanced stages. |
Similarities Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Although they differ based on parameters like causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment, type 1 and type 2 diabetes also have similarities. Both types hurt crucial organs in the body, like blood vessels, kidneys, and nerves. In addition, T1D and T2D can result in fatigue, extreme hunger, blurry vision, elevated urination, and irritation. Both are severe conditions that have the potential to cause severe health issues.
Diets and Preventive Measures of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Along with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is also crucial to maintain a proper diet and take other preventive measures to manage diabetes. People with T1D may experience a rapid rise in blood sugar levels when they consume certain carbs. You must take insulin to combat this, but you must be aware of the appropriate dosage.
On the other hand, regularly eating healthily is important for those with T2D. Weight management, a low-calorie meal plan, cutting fast food and animal fats, avoiding alcohol, and sugary beverages should also be prioritised to cure diabetes.
The main difference between T1D and T2D is that the symptoms of T1D appear rapidly, and those with T2D develop gradually. Continuous checking blood sugar levels and taking a particular amount of insulin may reduce the impact of T1D. On the other hand, maintaining a prescribed diet and daily exercise can manage the T2D levels. You should take proper medical instructions and measures to get relief from T1D and T2D.
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