Main Difference Between Type 1 And 2 Diabetes
The Symptoms And Complications Are Similar
Consistently high levels of blood sugar cause the symptoms of both types of diabetes and many of those symptoms are the same. “Presenting symptoms are similar in all forms of diabetesincreased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, worsening fatigue, weight loss,” says Dr. Adimoolam. “Since patients with type 1 diabetes produce very little or no insulin at the time of diagnosis, they are more likely to present to the hospital with a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis .” People with type 1 may also lose weight.
One unique symptom of type 2 diabetes is a condition called acamphotisi nigricans, says Vouyiouklis Kellis. That’s when you see a darkening of the skin at the back of the neck or back of the arm, places where there are folds under the skin. This is a sign of insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes but not type 1 diabetes.
Chronically high levels of blood glucose can lead to serious complications which, says Dr. Adimoolam, are similar for both types of diabetes. These include heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, amputation, and eye damage that can result in blindness
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Type 2 Diabetes And Insulin Injections
People with type 2 diabetes may need to take insulin injections, usually for one of two main reasons:
- Low sensitivity to insulin: The more excess body weight we carry, the less sensitive we are to insulin Being insensitive to insulin means insulin doesnt reduce blood glucose levels as much as it should. People with low insulin sensitivity often need to be injected with insulin to avoid hyperglycemia
- Beta cell failure: If you develop insulin resistance, you need more of it to keep your blood glucose levels stable. More insulin production means more work for the pancreas. Over time, the beta cells can become burnt out by the constant strain, and stop producing insulin altogether. Eventually, you can get to a similar situation as someone with type 1 diabetes, in which your body is incapable of producing the amount of insulin you need to keep blood glucose levels under control. Insulin injections are necessary in these situations
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Overview Of Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1An autoimmune disease occurs when there is an abnormal immune response to a normal part of the body. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder caused by destruction of the cells that secrete insulin from the pancreas. This results in too little insulin being produced to support the bodys needs. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes.
Without insulin, glucose from the carbohydrate foods you eat cannot enter cells. This causes glucose to build up in the blood, leaving your bodys cells and tissues starved for energy. While a variety of tissue transplantation and genetically-based treatments are being studied, at this point the only widely-available treatments for type 1 diabetes are the injection of insulin and inhaled insulin.
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Type 2Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and can be caused by a combination of factors. One factor is that your body begins to make less insulin. A second is that your body becomes resistant to insulin. This means there is insulin in your body, but your body cannot use it effectively. Insulin resistance is often related to excess body fat. Medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring can help control blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
Difference Between Type 1 And 2 Diabetes
Glucose is a crucial nutrient for the body cells. It enters the cells with the assistance of insulin to provide energy for daily activities and functions.
According to science, a healthy body is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. But many people lead an unhealthy lifestyles.
Poor eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle has led to emergency of many underlying health conditions. Some of these conditions make the body unable to regulate blood sugar levels.
So, what is the main difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes? The former is termed an autoimmune disease that restricts insulin production whereas the latter is a progressive disease since it inhibits insulin response.
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic high blood sugar level issues. These conditions usually result in complications related to diabetes. We recommend seeking medical assistance from a professional doctor.
This article provides comprehensive information regarding the difference between type 1 and types 2 diabetes. You will also have the opportunity to learn the similarities between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
There are a few similar symptoms with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, such as increased thirst and urination. However, the symptoms are one way to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
People with prediabetes often develop type 2 diabetes within five years if they do not make the necessary lifestyle changes. Once type 2 diabetes develops, symptoms can be mild or not noticeable in the early stages. This means you may not realize you have type 2 diabetes until its already developed. Heres a look at the symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Patches of dark skin in the creases of the neck, armpit, or groin
- Itching and frequent yeast infections
Similar to type 1 diabetes, your functional medicine practitioner can test your A1C levels with a blood test to determine if you have type 2 diabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes. An A1C of 5.7% to 6.4% on two separate tests indicates prediabetes.
Another difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that a glucose tolerance test can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. This is not commonly used, however it is an effective test. Youll fast for 8 hours and be given a sugary drink at the doctors office. Your blood sugar levels are then tested over the next few hours.
Recommendations For Distinguishing Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
- Consider a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes or one of its variants in AI/AN patients of any age or weight who present with a new onset of diabetes and an unclear clinical picture.
- Obtain laboratory studies and exams as needed to aid in diabetes classification.
Lab Tests and Exams to Aid in Classification
Measurement of Endogenous Insulin Secretion
The results for tests to measure endogenous insulin secretion may be low in type 2 diabetes patients with glucose toxicity. If in doubt, measure the following after glycemic control has been restored for several weeks:
- Fasting insulin level if the patient is not on exogenous insulin
- C-peptide this is useful even if the patient is taking insulin injections.
Positive antibody tests denote an autoimmune process, but negative tests do not rule it out:
- IA-2
- GAD-65
- Other antibody tests have been used in research and clinical settings e.g., ZnT8 , thyroid peroxidase antibodies, insulin autoantibodies
Other Lab Tests and Exams
Although some overweight type 1 diabetes patients may have some signs of insulin resistance, in general, they will not have the usual type 2 diabetes measurements at diagnosis. Gauging the degree of insulin deficiency versus insulin resistance with the following tests can be helpful:
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The Treatments Are Different
There’s only one treatment for type 1 diabetes: insulin replacement. “Without insulin, people with type 1 diabetes may die from complications like diabetic ketoacidosis,” says Dr. Adimoolam.
There are a wide range of treatment options for type 2 diabetes, starting with oral and injectable medications to control blood sugar, then moving on to insulin when those things stop working. “Many people with type 2 diabetes are on a combination of these treatments,” says Dr. Adimoolam.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are a cornerstone of managing both forms of diabetes.
Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity. Being overweight puts you at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The longer a person is obese, the more the risk for type 2 diabetes increases. In a 2014 study, a two-year duration of obesity increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 14%.
- Inactivity. Physical activity aids in weight control and regular blood sugar levels. Thus, the less active you are, the higher your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Poor diet. A diet low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated/trans fats is linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Fat Distribution. Some research has found that people who store fat in their abdomen, as opposed to other places in the body, are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Family History. The risk for type 2 diabetes increases if a parent or sibling has it.
- Race. Those who are African-American, Hispanic, Indian, and Asian, are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Age. Type 2 diabetes is most common in adults, especially over the age of 45. However, type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically among the younger population.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome . Women with PCOS have a higher chance of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by practicing healthy lifestyle habits.
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The Difference Between Type1 And Type2 Diabetes Mellitus
There are several differences between type1 and type2 diabetes mellitus. First, type 1 diabetes most often develops in young children while type2 diabetes can occur at any age. Additionally, type1 patients are dependent on insulin because their pancreas does not produce any. Those with type2 may produce some insulin in their pancreas, but they do not produce enough, or it is not used efficiently in their bodies.
Another difference between the two types is that those with type one can experience episodes of low blood sugar as well as high levels while those with type2 rarely do. Moreover, type1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but, in many cases, type2 can be avoided. Finally, there are many more cases of type2 diabetes are documented.
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Type 2 diabetes causes the body to become resistant to the hormone insulin. This hormone unlocks cells. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. While both types of the disease can cause problems, you can minimize the impact by following healthy eating and being physically active. The sooner you know more about diabetes, the better prepared you will be to deal with it. Once you know more about the disease, youll be better prepared for treatment.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that causes the body to produce too much insulin. It is also known as type 2 diabetes. If you have type 1, you can control your blood glucose levels by eating a balanced diet. If you have type 2 diabetes, you can even prevent it by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and modifying your diet. Its important to seek information that can help you be your own health advocate. There are many different types of diabetes, so its important to learn as much as you can about the condition.
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The Role Of Insulin In Your Body
Insulin is a natural hormone produced by your pancreas. It serves two primary functions: regulating blood sugar levels and aids in the storing of excess glucose for energy.
When your insulin levels are high, your body stores excess glucose in your liver in the form of glycogen. When your insulin levels get too low, the liver turns glycogen back into glucose to keep blood sugar levels within a narrow range.
When your body doesnt have insulin to regulate the amount of glucose going into your bloodstream it can cause an array of issues. Remember that your liver and kidneys work like filters. They keep toxins from getting into your bloodstream and allow the good to pass through. However, your liver and kidneys arent designed to handle high levels of glucose.
When your kidneys and liver have to filter out large amounts of sugar, they cant stop toxins from getting in the system. Over a long period of time, your liver and kidneys become exhausted and begin to fail. This is why diabetics who do not control their blood sugar levels go on dialysis, a process where toxic blood is removed from the body and replaced with clean blood. This can be prevented by managing your blood sugar levels through diet and exercise.
What Does Treatment Look Like With Prediabetes And Diabetes
In most cases, the first treatment recommendations for prediabetes will be lifestyle changes. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend improving your diet and exercising more. Reducing your sugar intake can help lower your blood sugar. Physical activity makes the cells of your body more sensitive to the effects of insulin. This means insulin can more effectively remove sugar from your blood and give it to cells to be used as energy. Many healthcare providers will recommend following an ADA meal plan and being physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend taking if you are diagnosed with prediabetes. Metformin is an effective diabetes medication that lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes and keeps sugar in your diet from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Metformin may help keep your prediabetes from turning into diabetes.
If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your treatment will depend on how severe your condition is. Most people with type 2 diabetes will take metformin. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe other oral and injectable diabetes medications. People who have uncontrolled diabetes for a long time may eventually need to take insulin to make up for the insulin their bodies are no longer producing.
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What Are The Risk Factors For Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:
- Family history: People with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing it themselves.
- Age: Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, but its most common among children and adolescents.
- Geography: The prevalence of type 1 diabetes increases the farther away you are from the equator.
- Genetics: The presence of certain genes points to an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
Youre at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- have prediabetes, or slightly elevated blood sugar levels
- are carrying excess weight or have obesity
- are Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or Alaska Native
- have an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
What Causes Diabetes
Approximately 100 million people in the US live with diabetes or prediabetes, but what is it? Diabetes occurs when blood glucose is too high. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin and with the assistance of insulin, your blood carries glucose throughout your body to give it energy. In some people, they dont produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work in the way it should. Glucose then stays in your blood instead of going to the areas in your body that need it for energy. As a result, blood glucose levels increase and when they get too high it can cause diabetes or prediabetes. The key differences in what causes type 1 and type 2 diabetes are as follows:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune reaction that attacks cells in your pancreas that produce insulin and is caused by inherited genetics or environmental elements.
- Type 2 diabetes happens when your body becomes resistant to insulin and is associated with genetics and lifestyle choice.
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When To See A Doctor
Visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes, which include:
- weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- blurred vision
Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days.
Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general.
How To Understand The Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are approximately 1.4 million cases of diabetes diagnosed each year. Nearly eighty-six million people in the United States with prediabetes are on their way to becoming diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Although there are several forms of diabetes, there is much confusion about the difference between type 1 and type 2. Here is a look at the differences between the two most common forms of a disease that is becoming a global problem.
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Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes Vs Type 2 Diabetes
Theres only one treatment for type 1 diabetes, says Dr. Block: insulin replacement. Those with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin and therefore need insulin replacement to survive. Because its an autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented or cured.
Often, patients feel that type 2 diabetes is their fault, but it is a genetic issue
Type 2 diabetes, however, can be prevented if its caught early enough, Dr. Block says. In the early stages, type 2 diabetes can be treated with lifestyle changes, then typically oral medication or weekly injections, he says. But even still, Dr. Block says many patients will require insulin with type 2 diabetes to help keep blood glucose levels under control.
Often, patients feel that type 2 diabetes is their fault, but it is a genetic issue that affects the pancreas and is 70% related to pancreatic destruction, Dr. Block says. That means that, according to Dr. Block, 70% of the causes of type 2 diabetes are out of the patients control. Its important to focus on what you can control, like healthy lifestyle choices, he says.