Know The Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Risk-factors And Treatments

Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose or blood sugar is a primary form of energy derived from the food we eat. To utilize this energy source, the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. In diabetes, there is a rise in blood sugar levels as the body cannot produce enough insulin or it is no longer able to use insulin efficiently. Diabetes poses a serious health risk as high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of life threatening diseases including kidney failure and heart failure. At the same time, effective and timely management of diabetes can prevent complications from developing, greatly improving quality of life.

There are different types of diabetes, with the two most common being Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Although there are many similarities between the two, they are different conditions. It is important to understand these differences in order to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

In this disease, the immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys the cells responsible for producing insulin. This leads to a dangerous rise in blood sugar levels, which cannot be managed without medical intervention. To manage the condition effectively, insulin must be administered regularly via insulin injections or insulin pumps. Type 1 diabetes is not as common as Type 2 diabetes, but it does have high prevalence rates.   

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

In this disease, the pancreas are unable to produce enough insulin, or insulin is no longer used efficiently – described as insulin resistance. In either case, it leads to an increase in blood sugar levels. This is the most common type of diabetes. 

What are the Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Increased urination

Increased hunger

Increased thirst

Fatigue and tiredness

Unusual weight-loss

Blurred vision

Delayed wound healing

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share common symptoms, but the way in which these symptoms occur may differ. 

People with Type 1 diabetes tend to experience a rapid onset of symptoms within as little as a few weeks or days. Quick diagnosis and treatment is critical as the symptoms can become increasingly severe posing a life threatening risk. 

However, in Type 2 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly over a longer course of time. In fact, many patients are only diagnosed with the condition after severe symptoms or complications develop.  

What Causes Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

The major difference between the two types of diabetes is with regard to their pathogenesis. 

Causes of Type 1 Diabetes: In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the pancreatic cells responsible for producing insulin. The exact reason as to why the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas is not fully understood. However, researchers believe that it may be because of genetic and environmental factors, including certain viral infections.

Causes of Type 2 diabetes: In this disease, the body develops insulin resistance. The major reasons for this condition are physical inactivity and being overweight. Obese people are more prone to getting Type 2 diabetes. Genetic and environmental factors can also play a role, but the primary cause for Type 2 diabetes is excess weight.      

What are the Risk Factors of Developing Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes: People who have a family history of Type 1 diabetes are more prone to developing the condition and it is not related to lifestyle factors like diet or obesity. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but children are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Genetic factors are believed to play a huge role in this type of diabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes: People who already have mildly elevated blood sugar levels are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Obesity or excess body weight, particularly central obesity, is regarded as the main risk factor for this disease, especially in middle-aged adults. A sedentary lifestyle, heavy alcohol consumption, and smoking are also known to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.  

What are the treatments of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes: Administration of insulin externally through insulin injections or insulin pumps is the main course of treatment. There is no permanent cure for Type 1 diabetes. Regular checkups of blood sugar levels are required. Changes in lifestyle and diet may aid treatment.  

Type 2 diabetes: Changes in lifestyle and diet may not just help, but might also reverse diabetes in the early stages. Physical exercises are recommended to accelerate the metabolic processes in the body. Although diet and exercise can go a long way in treating this diabetes, most patients also require medications to control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of complications. 

References Links:

1. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/differences-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes
2. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type1.html
3. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html
4. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001214.htm
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes#treatment
6. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/types-of-diabetes-mellitus
7. https://jdrf.org.uk/information-support/about-type-1-diabetes/what-is-the-difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes/