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Diabetes is a condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels, posing risks for serious complications. If you're ever confused about which is type 1 and which is type 2, here's a breakdown of the difference.
Both types relate to how the body processes insulin
When you consume carbs or sugar, glucose enters your bloodstream. This is beneficial as it transports energy to your body's cells, which rely on glucose for fuel.
Your body must manage how and when glucose enters various types of cells, so imagine each cell as having a lock. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, acts as the key. After eating, insulin is released to unlock those cells, allowing glucose to enter.
While glucose transport and blood sugar regulation involve more than just this scenario, thinking of insulin as a key and cells as locks makes the distinction between the two types of diabetes clearer: In type 1, you lack enough keys, while in type 2, there are too many locks. Either way, too much glucose stays in the bloodstream because it can't get inside the cells.
What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes, previously known as “juvenile” diabetes, often appears during childhood or adolescence, although it can also develop in adults. (It's important to note that children can also develop type 2 diabetes, which led to the shift in terminology from juvenile and adult-onset to simply ‘types’.) About 5-10% of individuals with diabetes have type 1.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas’s beta cells fail to produce enough insulin due to the body attacking its own beta cells, making it an autoimmune disorder.
A child who experiences frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and increasing fatigue is commonly showing signs of new-onset type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Symptoms can appear suddenly and intensify quickly, so if these signs are present, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Managing type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy.
What is type 2 diabetes?
In type 2 diabetes, the body may still produce insulin, but the cells become resistant to it. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin, leading to both a deficiency of insulin and a reduced sensitivity to it.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes often resemble those of type 1, including frequent thirst and urination, increased hunger, tiredness, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores.
You are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle (as exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, which is why it is vital for maintaining health). Other risk factors include being older, having a family history of diabetes, or having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Diabetes Association offer an online test to assess your risk for prediabetes. If you believe you may have type 2 diabetes, consult with your doctor.
Type 2 diabetes can frequently be controlled or even prevented through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a nutritious diet. However, in some instances, medication might be required, and in certain cases, insulin may be necessary.
