Diabetes is a group of endocrine diseases associated with impaired glucose uptake and develops as a result of absolute or relative insulin insufficiency. This hormone is responsible for a persistent increase in blood glucose – an important fuel that nourishes the cells. However, it requires insulin to enter the cells. The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that in the first instance, the human body doesn’t produce insulin, while in the second, it doesn’t respond to insulin and soon produces less hormone. Both types can lead to high blood sugar with subsequent complications.

Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

fizkes / Shutterstock.com

Common symptoms:

• frequent urination;
• fatigue;
• vision problems;
• thirst;
• hunger;
• skin ulcers and prolonged healing of wounds;
• frequent recurrences of chronic diseases caused by fungal microflora;
• weakened immunity;
• limb numbness and tingling.

During type 2 diabetes, symptoms may not appear until the first complications become visible. Symptoms during type 1 diabetes, however, develop very quickly.

Additional symptoms of type 1 diabetes:

• irritability;
• rapid weight loss.

Additional symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

• obesity;
• increased blood pressure.

Reasons for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Eviart / Shutterstock.com

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s beta cells. These cells are responsible for producing insulin in the pancreas. The level of insulin in the body decreases until disappearing completely, so patients have to intake it themselves.

In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin and absorb glucose from the blood, as their insulin receptors aren’t sensitive. A lot of “unclaimed” insulin circulates in the blood. The excess of this hormone is a signal to the body that you require less of it.

More differences between the two

Type 1 diabetes:

• often develops in childhood and adolescence;
• not associated with obesity;
• often associated with high levels of ketone in the body;
• can’t be controlled without taking insulin.

Type 2 diabetes:

• develops more often after 30 years;
• often associated with overweight;
• often associated with high blood pressure and cholesterol;
• normal glucose levels can be maintained through proper nutrition.

Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Correct diet plays a key role in battling diabetes. Doctors may also prescribe medications and specify how much insulin needs to be taken after eating different types of food.

Chinnapong / Shutterstock.com

People with type 2 diabetes often suffer from overweight issues, so it’s important to switch to a healthy diet completely.

Don’t forget to visit doctors regularly to monitor your condition. They will help you control blood sugar levels and avoid complications.

Don’t neglect your health. Stay vigilant!

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.