Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts the lives of millions of people worldwide. Although many have heard of it, not everyone knows what it really is or that there are different types of diabetes with key differences in their origin, development, and treatment. Today we'll explore the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes , explaining everything you need to know in a clear and simple way.
What is diabetes and what are its most common types?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. This occurs due to problems with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells to be used as energy.
Let's put it more practically: glucose (sugar) is the fuel you need to function, and insulin is the key that unlocks the door to your cells so they can use it. If that key isn't working properly or isn't available, the sugar stays in your blood instead of entering your cells, causing problems.
There are actually several types of diabetes , however, the most common are:
- Type 1 diabetes : An autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As a result, the body cannot produce this hormone, and people with this type of diabetes must take insulin for life.
- Type 2 diabetes : This is the most common form and occurs when the body doesn't use insulin efficiently. Unlike type 1, the pancreas still produces insulin, but not enough, or the body doesn't use it properly.
How does diabetes affect the body?
Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to problems in the production or action of insulin, a hormone that is key to cells utilizing energy from food. Without enough insulin, or if the body doesn't use it properly, glucose builds up in the blood, which can cause damage to various organs.
Normal blood glucose levels vary by age, but in general, for an adult fasting, they should be between 70 and 100 mg/dL . Consistently exceeding these levels is a warning sign.
What causes diabetes?
Diabetes doesn't just appear. There are several factors that can lead to the development of this disease, depending on the type of diabetes. While in some cases it's due to an immune system problem, in others it's related to lifestyle and genetics. Let's look at the causes of each of the main types of diabetes below.
Causes of type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. The exact causes are unknown, but genetic and environmental factors, such as viral infections, are thought to trigger it.
This type of diabetes is usually detected during childhood or adolescence, however, it can also manifest in adulthood.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes , on the other hand, is associated with insulin resistance. The body continues to produce insulin, but fails to use it effectively. Over time, the pancreas can't keep up, and blood glucose levels rise.
This type of diabetes is strongly linked to factors such as being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet. There is also a genetic predisposition.
As we see, part of the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes lies in their causes.
What are the risk factors for type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Risk factors present another difference between diabetes type 1 and type 2 , as they vary depending on the type of diabetes, for example:
- Type 1 diabetes : Family history, genetic predisposition, age, environmental and autoimmune factors, and exposure to certain viruses.
- Type 2 Diabetes : Overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, advanced age, metabolic syndrome, and family history.
How are type 1 and type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure normal blood glucose levels in adults and children . The most common tests are:
- Fasting glucose : A value greater than 126 mg/dL on two occasions indicates diabetes.
- Glucose tolerance test : Glucose is measured after drinking a sugar solution.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) : Reflects the average blood glucose level over the past three months. A value equal to or greater than 6.5% indicates diabetes.
How are type 1 and type 2 diabetes treated?
Another big difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is their treatment. This varies depending on the type of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes : Requires daily insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump. There's no cure, but proper management allows for a normal life.
- Type 2 diabetes : It can be managed with lifestyle changes, a balanced diet, and exercise. In some cases, medication or insulin may be prescribed if control isn't sufficient.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
| Characteristics | Type 1 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes |
| Origin | Autoimmune | Insulin resistance |
| Age of appearance | Childhood or adolescence | Adulthood (but can appear in young people) |
| Insulin production | There is no production | Insufficient or inefficient production |
| Risk factors | Genetic, environmental | Lifestyle, obesity, age |
| Treatment | Insulin for life | Diet, exercise, medications, sometimes insulin |
Take care of your health and find the best at Glucody
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