5 Apparent Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Many people suffer from various chronic conditions that severely affect their quality of life. One perfect example is diabetes, which is a condition that significantly increases the risk of kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, blindness, and amputation, among other health problems.

Diabetes occurs when there is an excessive amount of glucose circulating in the blood. Although this condition is typically caused by genetics, other things can also trigger it, such as high stress levels, obesity, and poor eating habits. Furthermore, diabetes is also divided into two categories: type 1 and type 2. Not many people are aware of their differences, so we’ll discuss some of the differences between them. These include:

#1 – Type 1 Diabetes Is More Common in Children and Adolescents

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that primarily affects children and adolescents. After the age of 30, this condition tends to disappear independently. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is more common in older people. It’s for this reason that it’s also called adult-onset diabetes.

#2 – You’re Likely to Develop Type 1 Diabetes If It’s in Your Family

One of the reasons type 1 diabetes tends to affect the younger generations is that it’s inherited. If it runs in your family, you’re likely to develop it. This does not mean you cannot develop type 2 diabetes if it’s not in your family. However, you have a greater risk of developing type 1 diabetes if you have a parent or sibling with the condition.

Furthermore, if your parent or sibling was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before the age of 30, then you’re even more likely to develop it. If you were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before the age of 15, you’re likely guaranteed to develop type 2 diabetes.

#3 – Type 1 Diabetes Is an Autoimmune Disorder

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The body can no longer have enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune disorder. Instead, it is a metabolic disease, which means genetic factors and lifestyle choices cause it. However, some cases of type 2 diabetes are caused by complications associated with type 1 diabetes, meaning it could also be considered an autoimmune disease.

#4 – Type 2 Diabetes Can Take Years to Develop

Type 2 diabetes is known to develop slowly. For this reason, many people can control the disease for years before it even becomes noticeable. As a result, the symptoms are rarely recognized. The disease typically occurs 10 to 15 years after the first warning signs, which is when it becomes a significant health concern.

On the other hand, people who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes always have the same symptoms. The symptoms are usually apparent, and they are easily identified. For this reason, most people develop this condition right after they reach puberty when the symptoms are more recognizable.

#5 – Type 2 Diabetes Needs Extra Measures for Management

Although there is no known cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be controlled with the help of medications and diet changes. However, it’s not easy to maintain the sugar levels in the blood. As a result, people with type 2 diabetes require regular medical checkups to determine how they’re doing.

On the other hand, type 1 diabetes is usually managed with medication alone. This is because it is controlled by insulin therapy, which is usually given through injections or an insulin pump. This small mechanical device delivers insulin through a tube inserted under the skin.

Conclusion

It’s easy to confuse type 2 and type 1 diabetes. However, they’re very different conditions. While both conditions need to be managed, they’re usually handled differently. People with diabetes should not be treated in the same situation. It’s best to consult with a doctor to know the possible options for treatment.

If you’re looking for primary care physicians in Santa Fe, Aspen Medical Center can help you! Our healthcare professionals understand every patient’s needs, so we can guarantee that you’ll get the treatment you deserve regardless of age. Simply go to our website to book a consultation!