Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects blood sugar control. Currently, the number of people with diabetes is increasing continuously around the world. The most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2 diabetes . Although they are both called diabetes, the two types are completely different in terms of causes, onset, symptoms, and treatment methods.
What is the difference between “Type 1 Diabetes” and “Type 2 Diabetes”?
Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune condition and usually occurs during childhood or adolescence, while type 2 diabetes develops slowly over many years and is related to lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise and being overweight, and is more common in adults.
Causes of type 1 diabetes
The body’s immune system is responsible for fighting foreign invaders such as harmful viruses and bacteria.
Type 1 diabetes is believed to be caused by an abnormal immune response. In people with type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own normal cells. The immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. When these beta cells are destroyed, the ยูฟ่าเบท body cannot produce insulin.
Researchers do not yet know what causes the immune system to attack the body’s own cells. It may involve genetics and environmental factors, such as exposure to viruses. Research into allergies is ongoing. Diet and lifestyle do not cause type 1 diabetes.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. Their bodies still produce insulin, but they can’t use it effectively.
Researchers aren’t sure why some people become insulin resistant while others aren’t, but a number of lifestyle factors may play a role, such as lack of exercise and being overweight. Genetic and other environmental factors may also play a role. When you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas tries to compensate by producing more insulin. Because your body can’t use insulin effectively, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.
How does diabetes affect the body?
Both types of diabetes are chronic diseases that affect how your body controls your blood sugar, or glucose. Glucose is the fuel that powers your body’s cells, but to get into your cells, it needs a key. Insulin is that key.
Type 1 diabetics don’t produce insulin. You can think of it as not having a key.
People with type 2 diabetes don’t respond well to insulin and often don’t make enough insulin later in the disease. You can think of it like having a broken key.
Both types of diabetes can lead to chronically high blood sugar levels, which increases the risk of diabetic complications.
Risk factors for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
The risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not as clear as for type 2 diabetes, but known risk factors include:
- Family history: People who have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Age: Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most common in children and adolescents.
You are at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have mild hyperglycemia (Prediabetes)
- Overweight or obese
- There is a lot of fat accumulated in the abdominal area.
- Exercise less than 3 times a week
- Over 45 years old
- Have had gestational diabetes
- Have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth
- Be African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native due to structural inequities that contribute to health disparities.
- Having a close family member with type 2 diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Symptoms of diabetes
If left unmanaged, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination: This is because the body is trying to expel excess sugar through urine.
- Extremely thirsty: The body is dehydrated due to frequent urination.
- Frequent hunger: The body cannot use sugar for energy efficiently, causing frequent hunger.
- Fatigue: Because the cells in the body are not getting enough energy.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar can cause changes in the lens of the eye.
- Slow wound healing: The immune system is not working well, causing wounds to heal slowly.
- Dry skin: Changes in blood sugar levels can affect the skin’s moisture content.
- Frequent infections: Weakened immune system
- Mood swings: Fluctuating blood sugar levels can affect mood.
- Unexplained weight loss: The body cannot use sugar for energy, so it uses fat and muscle instead.
Note: These symptoms may not occur in everyone, or may occur with varying degrees of severity.
Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes . People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, so they must take insulin regularly and have their blood sugar levels checked regularly.
Some people inject insulin under the skin, such as in their abdomen, arm, or hip, several times a day. Others use insulin pumps. Insulin pumps deliver a steady dose of insulin into the body through a small tube.
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an important part of managing type 1 diabetes because blood sugar levels can fluctuate rapidly.
Type 2 diabetes can be controlled and prevented with diet and exercise, but many people may need additional care. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medications that help your body use insulin more effectively.
Testing your blood sugar levels is also an important part of managing type 2 diabetes. It’s the only way to know if you’re reaching your blood sugar goals. Your doctor may recommend checking your blood sugar levels occasionally or more frequently. If your blood sugar levels are high, your doctor may recommend insulin injections.