When people have diabetes they begin making assumptions which may not necessarily be true always. Every diabetes case is definitely related to high levels of blood sugar but their details and symptoms may differ. The inability of our body to control blood sugar results in symptoms and complications occurring from diabetes. But type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both different in many ways. There are several difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes which decides the course of treatment for them both. Type 1 diabetes affects 5% of the total infected while type 2 diabetes affects 95% of the total.
What are the Causes of Diabetes:
Type diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This is attributed to genetic and environmental triggers which causes those genes to become active. While type diabetes is considered multifactorial. Genetic factors in addition to lifestyle factors like obesity and inactivity play a major role in this kind of diabetes. The body gets resistant to insulin in type 2 diabetes. Family history, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, improper diet and even demographic factors like African Americans, Latin Americans and Native Americans are more prone to type 2 diabetes than Caucasian Americans.
Symptoms of Diabetes:
Usually, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in childhood and type 2 is diagnosed after 40. But recently several cases are coming as early as childhood. In type 1 diabetes the body’s immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production from the body. Thus without the needed insulin, our body cells can not absorb sugar or glucose which is needed to produce energy.
Type 2 diabetes is called adult diabetes or noninsulin dependent diabetes. This can develop at any stage but is more common in adults. This type 2 diabetes is very common, where the body is not able to use insulin in the right way. This is rather called insulin resistance. And with the worsening of type 2 diabetes, the pancreas reduces insulin production gradually. Thus resulting in insulin deficiency.
Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms:
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes don’t start as quickly as type 1 diabetes. It may be difficult to diagnose which type of diabetes it is without tests. Some symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are:
- In type 1 diabetes the blood sugar gets too high resulting in thirst, hunger, weight loss, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and numbness in feet. Very high levels of blood sugar can also cause dry skin, rapid breathing, nausea, fruity breath
- The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may not show up until years. This ravages a persona body without letting them know. Some early symptoms of type 2 diabetes are fatigue, frequent urination, frequent infections, thirst, hunger, blurred vision, erectile dysfunction in men and pain or numbness of hands or feet.
Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Table:
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Often diagnosed in childhood
- Episodes of low blood sugar levels are common here
- Often have higher than normal levels of ketones
- Can be treated only with insulin injections or insulin pumps
- Cant be controlled without taking insulin
- Not associated with obesity or body weight
- It can not be prevented
- Type 1 diabetes can emerge after a viral infection such as mumps or rubella
- BMI is usually within the normal range or is low
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Usually diagnosed in people over 30 years of age
- The person may not have any symptoms before they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- Usually seen in adults but now even in kids it is becoming popular
- There are no episodes of low blood sugar unless they are taking insulin or diabetes medicines
- Often associated with obesity or excess body weight.
- Usually treated initially without medicines or just tablets
- It is possible to come off this medication too
- Often accompanied by high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or treated with a healthy lifestyle
- Maintaining a healthy weight, workout, eating sensibly and exercising regularly can help in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes is related to aging, diet, genetic influence and obesity.
- BMI is in the obese or overweight range
Which is Worse Type 1 or 2 Diabetes:
Every person and everybody is unique and there is no simple rule that can define which type of diabetes is worse. Type 1 diabetes is a lot harder to control since it is dependent on external insulin. A lot of self-regulation is required for type 1 diabetics. Type 1 diabetes is treated offhand which makes them badly controlled for most. This may result into fatal complications like blindness, heart attack, limb amputation, kidney failure, stroke and more of such. Type 1 diabetes is a quick and triggering danger while type 2 is a more creeping and sneaking danger
The above compilation on What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is to help you understand how these two kinds of diabetes are different from each other. Some symptoms, causes, and courses of action must be followed for both the cases. See your healthcare provider for more details and never ignore any of these signs and symptoms
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