Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: The Key Differences

It’s estimated that there are 462 million people who suffer from type 2 diabetes. This estimate makes up 6.28% of the global population who struggle with this issue.

Diabetes is common, but many people do not understand the differences between type 1 vs type 2 diabetes. These different types are similar, but they have key differences to keep in mind.

The symptoms of diabetes can be different depending on the type that you have. The severity and treatment plan can also be impacted, which is why these differences are important.

Keep reading to find out more about type 1 vs type 2 diabetes and what makes them different.

Type 1 Vs Type 2 Diabetes

It is important to understand what makes type 1 and type 2 diabetes different. These are two levels of diabetes that someone can struggle with, and it can be difficult to explain the differences.

Both of these types can be caused by different things and create different levels of symptoms. This is why it is important to understand the differences if you have diabetes.

Even if you know someone with diabetes, this knowledge can be useful to you. Especially if you want to better understand what they are going through and what they may need from you.

Many people are familiar with diabetes but do not understand the symptoms of diabetes. Or the differences that you may feel if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

These differences may seem small, but they can have a huge impact.

Type 1 Diabetes

One of the biggest differences between these types of diabetes is that type 1 is a genetic condition. This type of diabetes typically shows up early in life since you are born with it.

You may receive a diagnosis early on as a child and grow up with the effects of diabetes. Type 1 means that your immune system is attacking and trying to destroy insulin-producing cells.

These insulin-producing cells are located in your pancreas. When your immune system is attacking these cells, this creates a cascade effect that can cause many health issues.

You may find it surprising that only 8% of people have type 1 diabetes. This is a low percentage and is much lower than type 2 diabetes.

It is important for people to understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Especially as they are caused by different things and people with type 1 inherited it genetically.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is usually lifestyle related and affects around 90% of the population. Because it is lifestyle-related, most people receive a diagnosis later in life.

You will not usually see a child who has type 2 diabetes. Some people may even struggle with this and not realize it for many years until they are diagnosed.

Unlike the other type of diabetes, when you have type 2, your body cannot make enough insulin. That or the insulin your body does create does not work as it should.

This can create a different effect on your body as the issue is different. That is why many people have different side effects if they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

There are some risk factors involved for people when it comes to this type of diabetes. Being overweight is a big risk, but it can also have something to do with ethnicity and diet.

Side Effects of Types 1 and 2 Diabetes

There are certain side effects you are going to have whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Some of the most common include urinating a lot, feeling thirsty, or feeling fatigued.

Many people also struggle with weight loss, slow-healing wounds, and blurry vision. If you have type 1 diabetes, you may find yourself gaining weight or feeling very hungry all the time.

Most people with type 1 also struggle with headaches, confusion, and nausea. While those with type 2 diabetes may have tingling in their hands and feet and bleeding gums.

All of these symptoms can be quite difficult to catch if you do not know what you are looking for. That is why it is a good idea to understand these types of diabetes and why they may occur.

Life-threatening side effects can also occur if you do not take your medication. This applies to patients, whether they have type 1 versus type 2 diabetes.

Risks of Types 1 and 2 Diabetes

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there are risks involved. This is a serious health condition and should not be ignored or treated lightly.

The symptoms of diabetes may be irritating, but they can be serious. The symptoms are there to let you know that you need to take care of yourself and be careful.

For those with type 1, their lifestyle does not usually affect their diabetes. Those who have this type were usually born with it and simply have to manage their symptoms.

Those with type two diabetes have to manage their lifestyle. They will need to manage their weight and eat a healthy diet that will not negatively affect their insulin production.

Those with diabetes have a higher risk of getting wounds that do not heal. If you are not careful and do not take care of yourself, you can deal with wounds or even the loss of limbs.

People can become very sick if they are not taking their diabetes medication. Those with both types will need to take diabetes medication to manage their insulin production.

Without this medication, you would not be able to function, and your body would start to shut down. Many people may find that they become confused or irrational if they miss their medication.

Treating Type 1 and 2 Diabetes

How you treat your diabetes is going to come down to your personal struggle. A diabetes treatment plan needs to be catered specifically to each individual.

It is important to discuss this with your doctor and make sure you understand what you need to do. They will also help to make sure you always get your medication when you need it.

When you have type 1, you will always need insulin to survive. This usually comes in the form of an insulin pump or inhalation for convenience.

Those with type 2 typically rely on oral medications and lifestyle changes. They will need to manage their diet, weight, and activity level to remain healthy.

They will take oral medications that help their body to produce insulin. If type 2 diabetes becomes severe, you may have to start taking insulin, like those with type 1.

That is why it is so important to make sure you understand how to take care of yourself. Type 2 diabetes often has the most complications because people don’t have the right lifestyle.

There is much more that you need to do if you have type 2 diabetes. You should discuss your treatment plan with your doctor to create something realistic for you.

How Is Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Whether you have type 1 vs type 2 diabetes, the symptoms of diabetes are going to be different. Each type is going to have its own collection of common symptoms you may have.

This is important to understand because this can predict the diabetes treatment plan you need. Not just any diabetes treatment is going to work for both types or every person.

Those who have type 1 diabetes often realize this quite quickly. The symptoms are very apparent and show up early on in life as this is a genetic condition.

That is why it is very common to see children who have already been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. However, it can be much more difficult to diagnose type 2.

To get a diagnosis, most people get random blood sugar tests to find out how much glucose is in their blood. These are done at random to get a better idea of your blood sugar level long-term.

Fasting blood glucose tests are also very common for both types of diabetes. You will fast and have a blood test to see how much glucose is still in your blood.

You can also use an A1C test to measure the amount of glucose in your blood. This shows how much glucose has been in your blood over three months, providing an accurate percentage.

Differences Between Types 1 and 2 Diabetes

If you are trying to understand the differences between type 1 vs type 2 diabetes, here is the information. These are two different types that have their own symptoms and treatments.

Whether you have diabetes or know someone with it, this information could be useful.

Do you want to find affordable diabetes treatment options? Contact us today at Canadian Pharmacy Online for type 1 and type 2 medication options.

Works Cited

• https://canadianpharmacyonline.com/contact-us/
• https://canadianpharmacyonline.com/a-guide-to-the-average-price-of-insulin/
• https://canadianpharmacyonline.com/benefits-of-walking-30-minutes-a-day/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7310804/
• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199