MedWatcher Quick Facts
- origin: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, type 2 is often caused by lifestyle and dietary habits
- Insulin production: type 1 has no insulin production, type 2 has insufficient or ineffective insulin production
- Management: Type 1 requires a mandatory external insulin supply, type 2 can often be controlled by diet and exercise
Causes and development
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, insulin production comes to a complete standstill. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle, combined with genetic factors, whereby the pancreas is overwhelmed and ultimately no longer produces enough insulin to absorb the excess sugar in the cells or the cells have become resistant to insulin and no longer absorb sugar despite the presence of insulin.
Insulin production and function
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, which makes it necessary to administer insulin as medication in order to be able to channel sugar from the blood into the cells for energy production.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is characterized by insufficient production of insulin or insulin resistance in the body. The excessive amounts of sugar in the blood can then no longer enter the cells. The result of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the same, namely a measurably increased blood sugar level.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be similar, as they are based on increased blood sugar levels in both types of diabetes; frequent urination, excessive thirst and fatigue are typical. The main difference lies in the age group at which the symptoms usually become noticeable and the speed at which they develop. Type 1 diabetes symptoms often appear suddenly and at a younger age, while type 2 diabetes symptoms develop gradually and are usually diagnosed in adults.
Management and treatment
The treatment of type 1 diabetes requires a constant supply of insulin, while type 2 diabetes can often be managed through a combination of diet, exercise and medication, which may include insulin at an advanced stage. Understanding the differences in therapy management can help people with diabetes develop and consciously follow an effective plan to control their disease.
Long-term effects and prevention
Both types of diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems if they are not properly treated and controlled.
In terms of effective prevention, type 2 diabetes can be avoided or at least well treated once it has manifested itself through a healthy lifestyle and diet, whereas type 1 diabetes, as an autoimmune disease, cannot be avoided through preventive measures.
Understanding the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the first step to developing an effective disease control and management strategy. With the right information and support, you can lead a healthy life, regardless of the type of diabetes you have.
