What are the differences and similarities between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a result of too much sugar, i.e. glucose in your blood. It is a chronic disease. Diabetes causes when there is inadequate insulin production or absence; it lowers the blood sugar level. The inability to use the insulin produced also causes diabetes.

Diabetes is also due to hypertension and obesity. Consulting a doctor is a must to know the diabetes type.

  • Type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent
  • Type 2 diabetes is adult-onset diabetes

The common diabetes is Type 2. It occurs as the body is incapable of producing enough hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs as the cells in the pancreas (responsible to produce insulin) attacks the body.

Differences in Type 1 & 2 diabetes Risk factors

  • Type 1 risk- Family history, age, genetic, and geography.
  • Type 2 risk- Prediabetes, over 45 years, overweight, belly fat, physically inactive, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, baby birth over 9 pounds, and close family member with diabetes of Type 2.

Similarities in Type 1 and 2 diabetes
The signs of type 1 and 2 diabetes are similar such as:

Similarities in Early indications:

  • Frequent urination- It is the kidney removing the excess when glucose is high in the blood, resulting in urination.
  • Increased hunger- Enough glucose fails to move to cells. It makes the patient hungry as they do not get sufficient energy from what they eat.
  • More thirst- More urination results in the elimination of excess sugar and causes water loss.
  • Slow healing- Even common cuts heal slowly. A high sugar level reduces the ability to heal wounds.
  • Fatigue feeling- Patient’s energy levels have an adverse effect that with small work also they feel tired.
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Differences in Type 1 &2 diabetes

  • With Type 1, the body attacks the cells hindering the pancreas from producing insulin. Type 2 cannot make the required insulin, or the insulin fails to work properly.
  • The Type 1 symptoms appear quickly. Type 2 symptoms are easier to miss as they show up slowly.
  • Type 1 requires taking insulin to bring blood sugar into control. With Type 2 medication, diet and exercise help.
  • Type 1 diabetes has no cure, as research continues. Type 2 also has no cure but can be put into remission or may be prevented.

Treating and Managing
Managing and treating diabetes helps avoid health complications. With Type 1 diabetes, taking regular insulin, counting carbs, taking regular tests of blood glucose, and following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and physical activity, helps. For Type 2 diabetes, also stay active and eat a healthy diet with medication.