Most people are aware that there are two types of diabetes. However, a very few individuals know the distinctions between type1 and type 2 diabetes. But to know the actual difference between these two forms of diabetes, shall we have a brief about what diabetes is and the role of insulin in it? In this blog, we will examine how the two vary from one another and how these conditions can be diagnosed early by knowing the symptoms.
Know Everything About Diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical situation in which your body cannot produce insulin or use it properly. Your body needs glucose, a form of sugar, to function. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces, and it allows the glucose to move into your cells through the blood, creating energy. There are two common forms of this condition – type 1 vs type 2 diabetes.
Even though they share the same similarities, there are specific differences. Both of these diabetes mellitus type 1 vs type 2 can be managed through treatment and medications.
NOTE: Did you know type 1 affects only 8% of the people with diabetes and almost 90% of the people suffer from type 2.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
There are certain type 1 and type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms that are common. Some of them are listed below:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss, even when you are eating well
- Eating hungry immediately after eating a meal
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Slow wound and cut healing
- Blurred vision
- Numbness, tingling, pain in feet or hands
- Acanthosis nigricans is a condition in which the skin on your armpits, neck, groyne, and other places change texture and colour and possibly become velvety.
Type1 and Type 2 Diabetes – The Difference and Treatment
Type 1 diabetes is often caused because of genetics and many other unknown factors and is an autoimmune condition. Type 2, on the other hand, develops over time, and its most significant risk factors are lack of exercise and obesity. The type 1 vs type 2 diabetes diagnosis can happen at any age, irrespective of male or female. Let’s understand type 1 vs type 2 diabetes in detail:
Type 1 Diabetes
As stated, it is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells and destroys them. It can be because of genetics or environmental situations, such as viruses, and is unrelated to lifestyle or diet. This results in the body producing no or less insulin. People with type 1 diabetes are required to wear an insulin pump or take daily insulin shots for sugar management. They are also supposed to check blood sugar levels daily and focus on what they are eating.
Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common type where insulin is produced, but your body cells do not respond to it as they should. In this type, less glucose enters the cells, increasing the sugar levels in the blood and making the person insulin-resistant. In the early stages, this condition can be managed with medication. However, you may be advised to go for insulin injections when the condition progresses. Taking insulin injections does not mean converting from type 1 to type 2. Both these conditions are different, and type 1 diabetes vs type 2 diabetes have other causes.
Potential Risk Factors of Type1 and Type 2 Diabetes
The risk factors associated with type 1 vs type 2 diabetes differ. Let’s look at them below:
Type 1 risk factors:
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- Family history or genetic predisposition
- Demographic influence
- Genetic abnormalities
- Environmental factors, like viral infection
Type 2 risk factors:
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- Prediabetic diagnosis
- PCOS or hormonal imbalance
- Overweight
- Genetic predisposition
- Excess belly fat
- Gave birth to an overweight baby
- Sedentary lifestyle
- History of gestational diabetes
How to Manage Potential Risks of Type1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Preventing type 1 diabetes is not possible. However, with certain lifestyle modifications and dietary changes, you can prevent type 2 diabetes. Here are some ways of managing it:
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet
- Be physically active
- Achieve healthy weight
- Reduce stress
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Sleep adequately for at least 7 hours
- Do not smoke
- Take regular medications as prescribed by the doctor
Conclusion
Everyone with type1 and type 2 diabetes must care for their health. If proper treatment is not taken, diabetes can become a severe condition. Presently, it is not possible to prevent type 1 diabetes, and insulin can help manage its symptoms. However, following a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of type 2. Therefore, it is essential to understand the difference between type1 and type 2 diabetes to get diagnosed early and start taking care of your condition before the condition gets worse. Make sure to have a thorough consultation with the specialist and undergo a recommended management plan to manage your diabetes.
