Updated January 7, 2023
Difference between Type 1 Diabetes vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 vs type 2 diabetes are chronic condition affecting how the body processes sugar. High blood sugar levels, or glucose, in the body characterize them. In people with diabetes, the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels, leading to excessive thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.
The immune system of the body attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, in type 1 diabetes. It is also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes, also known as type 2 diabetes, is a chronic condition caused by the body not producing enough insulin or becoming resistant to the effects of insulin.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is triggered by the immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in severe insulin deficiency and dangerously high blood sugar levels. Insulin injections are required for people with type 1 diabetes for the rest of their lives. Type 1 diabetes typically manifests itself during childhood or adolescence, but it can manifest itself at any age.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body processes sugar. Insulin resistance is another term for it. Your body does not use insulin properly if you have type 2 diabetes. This raises your blood sugar, leading to various other health issues. Type 2 is a common type of diabetes, accounting for 90% of all cases. It usually appears in adulthood but can strike anyone at any age.
Key Differences
There are several key differences between Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes:
a) Cause
Type 1 diabetes arises when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Type 2 diabetes arises when the body becomes resistant to insulin production, resulting in insufficient insulin production.
b) Age of Onset
Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence, while type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood.
c) Insulin Production
In type 1 diabetes, the body refuses to produce any insulin, so treatment requires insulin injections or an insulin pump. In type 2 diabetes, the body may not have enough insulin or may become resistant to its effects. Treatment may include insulin injections or oral medications that help the body use insulin more effectively.
d) Risk Factors
Type 1 diabetes is not associated with specific risk factors, although certain genetic factors may increase the risk. Type 2 diabetes risks involve being overweight or inactive and having a family history of the disease.
e) Progression
Type 1 diabetes needs lifelong treatment with insulin injections or an insulin pump. Type 2 diabetes becomes manageable with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and may not always require medication. However, if left untreated, type 2 diabetes can progress to the point where insulin injections or other medications are necessary to control blood sugar levels.
f) Complications
If not properly managed, both types of diabetes can lead to health complications, such as the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, nerve damage, and blindness. However, the risk of complications in people with type 2 diabetes may be higher, particularly if the condition is not well-controlled.
Type 1 Diabetes Impacts & Treatment
As a result of type 1 diabetes, the patients do not have any insulin and require lifelong treatment with insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.
Patients may use several medications to treat type 1 diabetes in addition to insulin. These medications help them manage blood sugar levels, lower the risk of complications, or both. Some common medicines used to treat type 1 diabetes include
Amylin Analogues: These are a type of injectable medication that helps slow the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
DPP-4 inhibitors: These are a type of oral medication that helps increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and slow the breakdown of certain hormones that raise blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 agonists: These are a type of injectable medication that helps increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and slow the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract.
SGLT-2 inhibitors: These are a type of oral medication that help lower blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of glucose excreted in the urine.
Type 2 Diabetes Impacts & Treatment
As a result of type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels remain high, leading to the same symptoms and complications as type 1 diabetes. Treatment for type 2 diabetes may involve a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Some common medicines used to treat type 2 diabetes include
Metformin: This type of oral medication helps lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
Sulfonylureas: This is a type of oral medication that stimulates the production of more insulin in the pancreas.
Thiazolidinediones: These are a type of oral medication that helps increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors: These are a type of oral medication that helps increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas and slow the breakdown of certain hormones that increase blood sugar levels.
Comparison Table
| Sl.No | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
| 1. | It is an autoimmune disease. | It is not an autoimmune disease. |
| 2. | It develops rapidly. | It develops slowly. |
| 3. | It requires immediate insulin. | It can be treated with other medications or along with insulin. |
| 4. | It usually occurs in children. | It usually occurs in middle-aged adults. |
| 5. | The affected person is commonly undernourished. | The affected person gets obese. |
| 6. | Genetic predisposition is moderate. | Genetic predisposition is very strong. |
| 7. | Frequent symptoms include thirst, hunger, increased urine output, and weight loss. | There are no frequent symptoms. Some include thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and neural complications. |
| 8. | It is also known as juvenile-onset diabetes mellitus. | It is also known as maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. |
Purpose of Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
The primary purpose of treatment for type 1 diabetes is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and prevent serious complications. By carefully managing their blood sugar levels, people with type 1 diabetes can live long, healthy lives.
Purpose of Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
The purpose of treatment for type 2 diabetes is to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. The treatment is typically done by making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and taking medications as prescribed.
Conclusion
Overall, Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes is the cause of the condition and the way it is treated. It is vital for people with either type of diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is right for them. Both types of diabetes can cause serious health issues if not properly managed. With proper treatment and management, people with diabetes can live healthy lives.
