In general there are 2 types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2. While both have to do with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, they are fundamentally two different diseases and they require different treatments.
The type of diabetes you have will also affect how many changes you’ll have to make to your everyday routine. Let’s take a closer look at both diseases so you can understand better what differentiates them.
Type 1 Diabetes is a Genetic Disorder, Type 2 Diabetes is Not
The biggest difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes is the origin of the symptoms. People with type 1 diabetes have a genetic disorder that causes their bodies to not produce enough insulin or none at all. This is why people with type 1 diabetes often show symptoms early on and will require more complex treatment.
People with type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, tend to develop the disease because of bad nutritional and lifestyle habits. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by lower production of insulin later in life or lower sensitivity to it. When people develop insulin resistance, the pancreas will produce the hormone, but the body won’t recognise it, so they will usually need to use medication to lower their blood sugar.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are Treated Differently
There are major differences between how type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are treated too. People with type 2 diabetes can manage it using medications. There are even cases where people can reverse their type 2 diabetes by fixing their diet and being more active. People with type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, will require daily injections and the disease is chronic.
If you want to know more about type 1 diabetes treatment and how it differs from type 2 diabetes treatment, you should check out The London Diabetes Centre’s site. They outline exactly how type 1 diabetes affects the body and how it’s treated. They also provide type 2 diabetes treatment and will be more than happy to answer any of your questions about both types of diabetes.
How to Tell if You Have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes will have similar symptoms, but the way they will show up will be different. Most people who suffer from diabetes will experience things like mood swings and irritability, higher urination frequency, feelings of extreme thirst or hunger, fainting spells, and dizziness.
One thing that will be different, however, is that the fact that the symptoms of type 1 diabetes will manifest earlier in life, develop more quickly, and are more severe. It’s not uncommon for people with type 2 diabetes to not know that they had diabetes until they experience complications. This is why it’s very important that you go for regular check-ups, watch your diet, and up your activity levels if you have a history of the disease in your family.
Now that you know a bit more about diabetes, we suggest you go see a doctor right away if you think you have the symptoms or are at risk. They’ll also be able to tell you what you can do to prevent the disease from developing if you’re showing pre-diabetic signs.
