Diabetes Type 1 vs Diabetes Type 2: Difference and Comparison

The human body comprises numerous parts and various other organs supporting them. It is a mixture of multiple liquids, blood vessels, veins, arteries, flesh, and much more. But excessiveness or deficiency of a particular phenomenon in the body can cause many diseases.  

One such disease is called Diabetes. It occurs when the blood sugar of the body rises from its normal level. Diabetes Type 1 and Diabetes Type 2 are the most common types of this disease. While they both are dangerous, they are quite different from one another.  

Key Takeaways

  1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells, resulting in a lack of insulin.
  2. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
  3. Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in childhood. It requires lifelong insulin therapy, while type 2 diabetes can develop at any age and may be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin.

Diabetes Type 1 vs Diabetes Type 2 

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is a genetic condition and shows up early in life. Diabetes type 2 makes the body resistant to insulin because the pancreas makes less insulin. It is mainly lifestyle-related and develops over time.

Diabetes Type 1 vs Diabetes Type 2

Diabetes Type 1 is also referred to by the name of juvenile diabetes. In this particular type, the pancreases generate a very less quantity of insulin. Insulin is a hormone present in the body that utilizes blood sugar to produce energy and manages the level of glucose in the blood.  

While in type 2 diabetes, not only does the production of insulin by the body pauses, but the utilization of insulin by any means stops too. This particular stage is commonly referred to as insulin resistance in the body. It is the most common type of all the total types that are present out there.  

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 
Meaning  The form of Diabetes in which the body refrains from producing insulin or produces very little quantity of the same. This form of diabetes not only restricts the body from the production of insulin but also from the utilization of insulin by any other sources too.  
Also known as Juvenile Diabetes Adult-Onset Diabetes 
Mostly found in Children between the age of 04 to 17 People above the age of 45. 
Harmfulness  This is a comparatively less serious condition. This is a comparatively more serious condition.  
Caused by Genetics, environmental factors, and certain chemicals. Lifestyle, genetics, or medical conditions 
Symptoms  The most common symptoms are- More urination, More thirst, Fatigue, Weight loss, Abdominal pain, Vomiting.  The most common symptoms are- More urination, Blurred vision, Loss of taste, Low blood pressure Itchiness  More thirst Fatigue, Weight loss. 
Prevention  It cannot be prevented wholly, but certain precautions can be taken. It can be prevented to some extent by way of proper exercise and a healthy diet. 

What is Diabetes Type 1? 

Also known by the name ‘Juvenile Diabetes,’ Diabetes Type 1 is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of Diabetes. Children below the age of 18 years are assumed to be the most susceptible people to this ailment. It hinders the process of manufacturing insulin by the pancreas in the body.  

Insulin is a crucial hormone found in the body that takes care of the sugar level in the blood and undertakes the responsibility of managing it. Due to the hindrance in this process caused by type 1 diabetes, the sugar level in the blood rises. This results in many complications, such as. 

  • More urination 
  • More thirst 
  • Fatigue 
  • Weight loss 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Vomiting 

The primary origin of this illness is unknown. However, environmental variables such as climate, pollution, and a person’s heredity are thought to be the two most important causes.

Although there is no definitive cure for this condition, experts have found that a healthy diet can reduce the likelihood of developing the disease later in life. 

What is Diabetes Type 2? 

Popularly known as adult-onset diabetes, Diabetes Type 2 is known as the most common form of this disease. Unlike the previous form, this type not only hinders the production of insulin in the body but also is likely to stop the body from utilizing any insulin procured from outside.  

People over the age of 45 were always thought to be the most vulnerable, but with the constant changes in our environment, this condition is now identified in people of all ages. The most common signs of this disease are as follows-  

  • More urination 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Loss of taste 
  • Low blood pressure 
  • Itchiness  
  • More thirst 
  • Fatigue 

Unorganized lifestyle and genetic factors are known to be the most common causes of this disease. Obesity, a poor diet, and a lack of physical activity are all common causes of this disease. As a result, this disease can be avoided by altering one’s lifestyle and using medication. 

Main Differences Between Diabetes Type 1 and Diabetes Type 2 

  1. Diabetes Type 1 is commonly referred to as Juvenile diabetes, while Diabetes Type 2 is also termed adult-onset diabetes.  
  2. Diabetes Type 1 happens to be a less serious condition compared to Diabetes Type 2. 
  3. Diabetes Type 1 is a condition in which the body ceases manufacturing insulin in the pancreas, whereas Diabetes Type 2 is a condition in which the body stops not only developing insulin but also using insulin from outside sources. 
  4. Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of 18. People above the age of 45 are the ones who are most susceptible to type 2 diabetes. 
  5. There is no specific data on how to avoid type 1 diabetes, although type 2 diabetes is thought to be prevented by regular exercise and a healthy diet. 
Difference Between Diabetes Type 1 and Diabetes Type 2
References
  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673613605917
  2. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201519

Last Updated : 19 July, 2023

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25 thoughts on “Diabetes Type 1 vs Diabetes Type 2: Difference and Comparison”

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