Here’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Just about everyone has heard of diabetes. In fact, the odds are that everyone knows someone with the disease. Some people might even be aware that there are two types, but most have no clue of the differences. Really, why would they if they don’t have the disease right? Well today you’re going to learn the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

In an earlier article, I started it off with the title So You Can’t Eat Sugar? It’s a question that I get all the time when I let someone know I’m a diabetic. Another common one that I’ve heard, and I know that us skinny diabetics (usually Type 1) get is but you’re not fat’.

It’s so easy to get frustrated at these questions sometimes. I’m used to it though. Explaining my diabetes has practically become my elevator speech now. I guess however, if people were more educated, so many new cases of Type 2 diabetes wouldn’t be popping up because as you’re about to learn, that’s the one that’s most avoidable with good habits.

So What Are the Differences?

They’ve made it fairly easy actually. There’s Type-1 diabetes and then there’s Type-2 Diabetes. Pretty simple hu? However the fact that it’s so simple may just be the reason that it’s so difficult for people to understand. In fact in one forum that I was recently reading on diabetes, one of the contributors made the point that they should perhaps give them completely different names rather than calling them both diabetes.

Alright, let me begin to try to explain the differences. If you have any questions after my feeble attempt, please let me know by leaving a comment.

I’ll start in sequential order.

Type 1 Diabetes usually starts out when a person is in their adolescence. In fact, it used to actually be known as Juvenile Diabetes. To be honest I’m not really sure of the reason behind the change of name, but I think I remember reading that it’s because of the fact that people beyond their juvenile years now get Type 1 Diabetes, and young people unfortunately develop Type 2 now. I think that’s why. I don’t pretend to be a doctor or expert remember.

So, Type 1 Diabetes is the effect of the bodies immune system attacking itself. This is called an autoimmune disease. The pancreas is the organ that is responsible for producing insulin, and therefore is the organ attacked, and rendered basically useless. The Type 1 diabetic can usually produce no insulin, or very little at most. Therefore Type 1’s are also known as insulin dependent. We must inject the insulin ourselves by syringe, or more recently by a pump for some.

Type 1’s usually realize that they’ve acquired the disease by symptoms such as low blood sugar (a feeling of fatigue, shakiness, light headedness, etc.). They often get the other end of the spectrum, which is high blood sugar. This causes major fatigue, frequent urination, and extreme thirst. (Gotta make up for all that peeing somehow right?)

Most Type 1’s are diagnosed early in life like stated above. I myself was diagnosed at 17. Nevertheless, some can be diagnosed even later in life. For instance my father was diagnosed with Type 1 at 35. So, though this is less common it is very possible.

Okay on to the majority.

Type 2 Diabetes makes up about 95% of all diabetes cases.

The first and most important thing that I would like to say about Type 2 Diabetes is that it can usually be avoided and or corrected by a lifestyle change. Yeah, I know, lifestyle change is easier said than done. I’ve been struggling with it my whole life. But the effort in changing that far out-weighs the complications of diabetes. I also wrote about those in my first article So You Can’t Eat Sugar. But here’s just a small list: blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, amputations, nerve damage (neuropathy), and impotence for men. Talk about saving the best for last. J

The major cause for Type 2 Diabetes is resistance to the insulin that the body produces. Therefore, in most cases, the body produces more insulin due to this resistance. That in effect causes the liver to produce more glucose and therefore high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is usually treated first with a diet change and consistent exercise. Secondly, if that isn’t effective then oral medication is added into the mix.

There are times when Type 2 turns into Type 1. This is caused by the pancreas burning out what are called beta cells; those that help produce insulin.

How do you know if you’re at risk for Type 2? Sometimes genetics plays a role. You’ll often see many members of the same family with Type 2 diabetes. This happens to be the case with my wife’s family.

Ethnicity plays a role as well. It’s more prevalent in Black and Hispanic communities, and even more so in Native American Tribes.

Probably the biggest factor though is obesity. If you’re overweight or obese you should get checked ASAP. It’s a simple blood test, and you might have to pee in a cup. You’ll get through that easily with good aim.

Afterwards, and I can confidently, even without a medical degree, that regardless of the results, you should begin to get your weight down and better your physical self immediately. However, knowing whether you are a diabetic or not is key to getting it under control.

So that’s the run down. I tried not to be to technical here, and in my other articles as well, simply for the fact that I don’t want to bore anybody to tears and I want you to fully understand. I often find that learning in everyday terms makes new knowledge sink in a little bit better. I hope I’ve helped. Please feel free to leave comments and let me know (even if it just to tell me I suck) or ask any questions that you may have. If I don’t know something, I’ll do my very best to find out.

Take Care.