Do you know the key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? While both conditions affect how the body regulates blood sugar, they arise from distinct causes, have different risk factors, and require unique management strategies. Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing symptoms, choosing appropriate treatments, and supporting those living with either condition.
According to the latest studies, 37.5 million Americans have diabetes, and as many as one in five of those people don’t know they have it. [1]
Diabetes can seriously affect a person’s quality of life and even shorten their lifespan if left untreated. The treatment options, however, vary depending on the type of diabetes the person has.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both severe and chronic illnesses that affect how your body regulates glucose or blood sugar. Their causes, however, are different. Learn more about these two types of diabetes.
What Is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is the rarer of the two types. Only 1.9 million Americans with diabetes have type 1. [2]
Although scientists are not entirely clear on what causes type 1 diabetes, they suspect it is an autoimmune reaction. In people with this type of diabetes, their immune system attacks their healthy cells, believing them to be foreign invaders.
In this case, the immune system targets the beta cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin. Once the beta cells are dead, the body can’t produce insulin.
To take the glucose in the blood into the body’s cells, your body needs insulin. Without it, blood glucose levels get too high.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes begins over time, with lifestyle factors like obesity and inactivity being the leading cause.
People with this type of diabetes have insulin resistance. Unlike type 1, the body can still produce insulin but can’t use it correctly. When that happens, the pancreas creates more insulin to try to compensate, and this leads to the accumulation of glucose in the blood.
Differences in Symptoms and Causes
The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar.
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive fatigue
- Excessive hunger
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Cuts and wounds heal slowly
- Dry skin
- Mood changes
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Although the symptoms are similar, they begin at different points in life. With type 1 diabetes, people experience symptoms much earlier. There are two main age peaks – between ages four and seven and between ages 10 and 14. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes begin all at once. [3]
With type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are many times less obvious because they develop gradually. People in the early stages of it might not have any symptoms at all. Generally, they appear later in life, and some people can develop prediabetes first, which presents with milder symptoms.
The causes of the two types also differ. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, while type 2 is a disease that lifestyle factors affect.
The risk factors for developing type 1 are not clear, but doctors think genetics play an important role. If you have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing it yourself. [4]
There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes, however.
- Having excess weight
- Having abdomen fat
- Having prediabetes
- Being physically inactive
- Being over the age of 45
- Having immediate family members with type 2 diabetes
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome
People who are Hispanic, Native American, or Black also have a higher risk of developing this type of diabetes.
For both types of diabetes, there are studies that show low levels of vitamin D may contribute to the development of the disease. [5]
Differences in Treatment
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Since someone with type 1 does not create insulin, they must take it regularly. This usually means injections into soft tissue like the stomach, arm, or buttocks.
For some people, insulin pumps can be a better choice. These pumps inject a steady supply of insulin into the body. Someone with this type of diabetes will have to regularly check their blood glucose levels because sugar levels can go up and down rapidly.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, has treatments. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can help. Some people may require some support from medications to help them manage their blood sugar levels. Testing sugar levels is vital for type 2 diabetes, as well.
It is important to know that you can prevent type 2 diabetes but not type 1.
Complications Without Treatment
If either type of diabetes goes untreated, there can be serious complications.
With type 1, the risk is the development of foot and circulation problems leading to amputation. Sight problems and even blindness can be a risk, as can kidney disease. Because symptoms are so extreme with this type of diabetes, most people do receive the treatment they need to avoid these complications.
With type 2, coronary artery disease is a risk, which can lead to strokes and heart failure. There can also be nerve damage that begins at the toes and fingers and spreads up. Skin diseases, kidney problems, and vision issues can also be a worry for people with untreated type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often harder to spot because they are milder. If you suspect you may have diabetes, turn to a doctor for testing.
Living with Diabetes
It is possible to live a healthy and long life with either type of diabetes. If you have a family history of the disease or if you experience any of the symptoms, even mildly, the best thing to do is to reach out to your primary care physician to get a blood glucose test.
By managing your blood sugar levels, either with lifestyle changes, injections, or other medications, you can get relief from the symptoms and prevent some of the most serious complications.
References:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-facts-stats.html
[2] https://www.diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/about-diabetes
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011