The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes that you should know

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is divided into two types, namely type 1 and type 2. Both types of diabetes are both characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood that exceed normal limits. In fact, it is important for you to know the difference between types 1 and 2 diabetes because they are handled differently.

The general differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

The fundamental difference from type 1 and type 2 diabetes is in the conditions that cause an increase in blood sugar. Although there are also differences in terms of treatment and the timing of symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce the hormone insulin, which helps the absorption of sugar in the blood for energy. Meanwhile, in the condition of type 2 diabetes, increased blood sugar levels are caused by less than optimal insulin production or absorption by the body.

The following are the general differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes based on causes, symptoms, treatment:

1. Differences in the causes of type 1 and 2 diabetes

The most basic difference between types 1 and 2 diabetes is the cause. The cause of type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. This condition results in the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy body cells.

As described by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, in the case of type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system damages the beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells are in charge of producing the hormone insulin.

As a result, the production of the hormone insulin in the pancreas decreases or even stops completely. In fact, insulin is a hormone that plays an important role in the metabolic process of converting glucose into energy. Insulin helps the body's cells to absorb glucose and convert it into energy.

It is not yet known why the body's immune cells can attack pancreatic beta cells. However, factors such as genetics, family history of illness, and certain viral infections are thought to influence this condition.

Unlike type 1, type 2 diabetes is caused by a loss of the body's ability to respond to insulin. This diabetes-causing condition is known as insulin resistance.

The pancreas still produces insulin, it's just that the body's cells are no longer sensitive or immune to the presence of hormones. As a result, insulin cannot work optimally to help glucose absorption. There is a buildup of sugar in the blood.

The cause of insulin resistance cannot be explained with certainty, but this condition is closely related to diabetes risk factors, such as being overweight (obesity), rarely moving or exercising, and increasing age.

2. Different types of diabetes based on the age of the patient

Most cases of type 1 diabetes have been detected during childhood through adolescence. That is why this condition is also called diabetes in children. Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes is generally people over 30 years of age.

However, age cannot be a definite reference for recognizing the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes. The reason is that type 1 diabetes can also be experienced by adults. Likewise, children who are overweight are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

3. Different types of diabetes from the appearance of symptoms

Broadly speaking, there is no difference in the symptoms experienced by type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Both of these diseases show relatively the same symptoms.

The most common symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, easy hunger and thirst, vision problems, and sores that are difficult to heal.

The difference that can be seen is the time of onset and how fast the symptoms develop. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually appear more pronounced and quickly within a few weeks.

Conversely, the onset of symptoms of type 2 diabetes occurs slowly. At the beginning of the increase in blood sugar, even the symptoms are not clear. Most patients with type 2 diabetes find out about their disease when they do a diabetes check up by chance.

4. Differences in the treatment of DM types 1 and 2

Although both aim to maintain normal blood sugar levels, there are significant differences in the treatment plans for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Because type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to insulin-producing cells, they need insulin injections to replace the lost insulin hormone. Treatment of type 1 diabetes will be very dependent on insulin, you cannot rely on medication or lifestyle changes alone.

Meanwhile, people with type 2 diabetes who do not have an impaired production of the hormone insulin do not always need insulin treatment.

Diabetes treatment for type 2 leads to more healthy lifestyle changes. You do this by paying attention to food intake for diabetes and undergoing regular exercise.

Consumption of diabetes medication is not even necessary if a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, a person with type 2 diabetes may need insulin injection, in the event of failure of the beta cells in the pancreas.

Insulin-resistant conditions in people with type 2 diabetes can be dangerous for the health of the pancreas. More insulin production means more work for the pancreas. Over time, the beta cells in the pancreas can become "exhausted" until they finally stop producing insulin at the same time.

Summary

For simplicity's sake, you can refer to the table below to better understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Even though you know the difference, sometimes it's still difficult to determine the type of diabetes you have. That is why, the best step is still to consult a doctor for an examination. The results of a diagnosis, either an autoantibody test or an HbA1C test, can determine with greater certainty what type of diabetes you may have.