Although type 1 and type 2 diabetes almost sound similar, they are distinct conditions with different causes.
The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 is caused by an autoimmune response and manifests very early in life. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes develops over time and is associated with lifestyle factors such as being physically inactive and having a sedentary way of living.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition when the body cannot produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar — and when someone has diabetes, their blood sugar levels become too high without properly converting it into energy. When someone has type 1 diabetes, they need insulin injections daily to help control their blood sugar levels.
While there is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, people with a family history of this condition can be tested for it starting at a young age. Early diagnosis can help kids learn how to manage their condition and prevent a spike in their blood sugars in the future.
Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes is another serious health condition when your body cannot properly regulate blood sugar. However, with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but not enough to regulate blood sugar. This is called insulin resistance. Untreated type 2 diabetes may escalate to severe complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness.
What’s The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
People with type 1 diabetes are at a greater risk of experiencing extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In some cases, people with type 1 diabetes can experience dangerously low blood sugar levels that can even lead to a diabetic coma. Because of this, people with type 1 must be vigilant about monitoring and managing their blood sugar levels.
While people with type 2 diabetes may also experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels, they are not typically as drastic as those experienced by people with type 1 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes may be able to control the condition with diet, exercise, and weight loss with the help of proper medication.
A diabetic person with type 2 may experience adverse complications if left untreated or unmanaged. However, the potential health risks of type 2 diabetes are less severe than the ones associated with type 1 diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes may experience complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness — but these can be avoided with proper management.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious conditions that require daily management. They also both come with the risk of serious complications. If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, there is no need to feel overwhelmed. With the proper support and management plan, you can continue to lead a happy, healthy life