If you have diabetes, it is important to first understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For example, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, while type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition.
Understanding the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes will enable you to work with your doctor to create the right treatment plan for you.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes can have very serious side effects if they are not diagnosed or managed well. One is not better or worse than the other. Both conditions require careful and mindful management. If your cells do not get the sugar they need to function, they will begin to die.
Below are the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:
Type 1 starts quickly, while type 2 develops over time
Most people who have type 1 diabetes will experience an acute episode as their body loses the ability to make insulin. This means their symptoms will start suddenly and all at once.
People with type 2 diabetes usually have symptoms that slowly develop as their condition starts and then worsens.
Type 1 means that your body does not produce enough insulin
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s own immune system attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. After these cells are gone, your body cannot make insulin, which is necessary to manage your blood sugar. This means your body can’t regulate its blood sugar.
Recognize type 2 diabetes means your body can’t properly use insulin
Your body can become resistant to insulin over time. This means your body must produce more and more insulin to regulate your blood sugar. In some cases, this can overwork your pancreas, causing it to stop making enough insulin.
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Type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in younger people
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, adolescents, and young adults. It can develop in older adults, but typically occurs at a younger age.
Type 2 diabetes occurs at any age but usually affects older adults
Type 2 diabetes develops over time as your body becomes resistant to insulin or stops making enough. It can happen to anyone. Although it’s more common in older adults, children, adolescents, and young adults can all develop this condition, as well.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1
About 90 to 95% of people who have diabetes will have type 2. It usually develops as people age. In most cases, people with type 2 diabetes become insulin resistant due to lifestyle choices, such as eating an unhealthy diet, carrying extra weight, and getting too little exercise.
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Type 2 diabetes is often preventable, but type 1 isn’t
Lifestyle factors play a bigger role in the development of type 2 diabetes, so you may be able to prevent it.
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising for 30 minutes a day, and eating a healthy diet can help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
However, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, as it’s caused by an autoimmune reaction in your body that you can’t control.
Type 1 always requires insulin, while type 2 may not
If you have type 1 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs, so you will need to use insulin therapy.
People with type 2 diabetes may have options, including diet and exercise, oral medications, and insulin therapy.
Your doctor will help you figure out how to best address your type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is harmful to anyone. It is necessary to take the proper medications that will help.
Diabetes type 1 and type 2 come from different causes: In diabetes type 1, the pancreas does not make insulin, because the body’s immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that make insulin. In diabetes type 2, the pancreas makes less insulin than used to, and your body becomes resistant to insulin.
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