Health

Difference Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Explained

Diabetes is a common disease these days and many people have even lost their lives to it. There is a Difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes as one is acquired during early age while other is acquired over time, due to lifestyle choice and eating habits. Diabetes occurs due to deficiency of insulin in the body or inefficiency of the pancreas to make insulin. Insulin is an important hormone for glucose metabolism so, in its absence, the body’s environment is greatly affected.

Type 1 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

Type 1 diabetes was called juvenile onset diabetes because it starts at an early age. This is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system starts to detect the pancreas as non-self and foreign. So, it ends up attacking the pancreas. As a result of this, the pancreas is damaged and they do not make insulin anymore.

Type 1 diabetes has a genetic predisposition while Type 2 is acquired due to lifestyle choices. The special cells in pancreas producing insulin are called beta cells. During this condition, these cells fail to work properly and produce insulin.

Due to Type 1 Diabetes, diabetic retinopathy can occur which refers to the damage caused to blood vessels in the eyes. It also leads to kidney damage and heart disease. In type 1 diabetes, insulin is injected into the fat layer beneath the skin using syringes, jet injectors, insulin pumps or insulin pens.

Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.

The Difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes is that Type 2 diabetes is less severe and is not normally genetic. Obesity is a leading cause of this condition and 95% of the diabetic patients suffer from this type. It is milder but is also causes health complications like the risk of stroke and damage to nerves and vessels in the eyes.

In this condition, the pancreas is producing insulin but the amount is not sufficient for the body. Another problem could be that the cells have become resistant to insulin and they do not take up insulin. The insulin receptors may be damaged or absent causing this condition. No cure for diabetes has been found till date but type 2 diabetes be controlled.

To control this condition, you have to watch your weight and manage nutrition. Along with that, exercise and diet also help control Type 2 diabetes.A1C test is done for such patients to see how the diet and nutrition changes are affecting the sugar levels. Since the pancreas has to work harder, the patient must take measures to help the body produce enough insulin.

Summary of Difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes:

  • The main Difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes is that Type 1 is more severe and starts during childhood while Type 2 is milder and starts later in life.
  • Both the conditions cause health complications such as heart and kidney damage.
  • In type 1, insulin has to be injected in the body while Type 2 can be controlled by managing lifestyle and eating habits.

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