It’s common knowledge that there are two types of diabetes, Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. But do you know the difference between them? While both revolve around your blood sugar levels, they both have different treatments and causes.
The Main Difference Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
The main difference between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is that Type 1 diabetes is a genetic disorder that shows itself early in life. Some people are born with Type 1 diabetes while others develop it at a very young age when they are kids. This is different from Type 2 diabetes which shows itself later in life due to poor diet.
Other Differences Between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
People with Type 1 diabetes suffer from their immune system attacking and destroying insulin located in the pancreas. This causes them to be unable to produce insulin on their own.
Inversely, people who have Type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin and don’t respond well to it. It’s not nearly as severe as not producing any of their own insulin, but it can worsen over time.
What Causes Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?
The causing factors between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes are different. As previously stated, Type 1 Diabetes is caused by an immune system that attacks itself. It destroys insulin-producing beta cells and makes the body unable to produce insulin. At this time, researchers have narrowed this cause down to genetics; however, research is still being completed to truly find out why this happens.
The cause of Type 2 diabetes is a form of insulin resistance. The main factors that can lead to insulin resistance are carrying excess weight for extended periods of time and living an inactive lifestyle. Once again, researchers are still looking into why this happens and why some people are more prone to become insulin resistant than others. Since Type 2 diabetes can be developed over years of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise, it’s much more common than Type 1 diabetes is. As people age, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes cause similar health problems. Both types can lead to high blood sugar levels that cause a number of complications. Some of these complications include blurry vision, frequent urination, and feelings of tiredness or fatigue.
Conclusion: What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
The main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is people develop Type 1 at a young age and it’s much more uncommon than Type 2. Type 2 diabetes is developed over several years of unhealthy eating and lack of activity.
Type 1 diabetes tends to be more severe than Type 2 diabetes because your body’s immune system attacks itself and stops the production of insulin altogether at a young age. This is different from Type 2 diabetes in that most people get it at an older age, and it can worsen as the years pass.