What Sets Type 1 Diabetes Apart From Type 2 Diabetes?
There are several distinctions between type 1 vs type 2 diabetes, such as the symptoms, origins, and management. When the immune system targets beta cells in the pancreas, Type 1 diabetes develops. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to effectively utilize insulin. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, can emerge abruptly and may result from genetics as well as other unidentified elements. Type 2 diabetes commonly arises gradually, with obesity and insufficient physical activity being major risk factors. You can receive a diagnosis of either condition at any stage of life.
What Exactly Causes Diabetes?
Even though Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share similar names, they are distinct conditions stemming from different causes.The main distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 is thought to result from an autoimmune response and occurs during childhood or early stages of life. Type 2 diabetes forms gradually and is linked to lifestyle factors like lack of physical activity and being overweight. Typically, adults are the ones who are usually diagnosed with it.Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not well-defined, although there may be a connection to family history.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
The body’s immune system is in charge of battling against external intruders like harmful viruses and bacteria. It is thought that an autoimmune response triggers Type 1 diabetes. In individuals who have type 1 diabetes, the immune system confuses the body’s own healthy cells as foreign enemies.
The immune system targets and eliminates the pancreas’s beta cells that produce insulin. Once the beta cells are eliminated, the body loses its ability to make insulin. Scientists are unsure about why the immune system targets the body’s cells. Genetic and environmental factors, such as being exposed to viruses, could play a role in this. Continued research is being conducted on autoimmune diseases. Type 1 diabetes is not caused bylifestyle habits and diet.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes exhibit resistance to insulin. The body continues to make insulin but is incapable of utilizing it efficiently.Researchers are uncertain about the reasons why some individuals develop insulin resistance while others do not, but various lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity and obesity, may play a role.
Additional genetic and environmental factors might also have an impact. Once you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas will attempt to make up for it by making extra insulin. Due to the inefficiency of insulin usage in your body, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the onset of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle may help many individuals reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Prevention and Treatment
Even though diabetes cannot be cured, effective treatments can assist individuals in controlling their condition. For individuals with type 1 diabetes, it is crucial to always have insulin treatment for managing glucose levels, in addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle and consistently checking blood sugar levels. At present, it is not feasible to prevent type 1 diabetes.
On the other hand, treatment for type 2 diabetes involves slowing down the advancement with drugs such as Metformin and making lifestyle adjustments, like sticking to a nutritious diet and staying physically active. Individuals with severe obesity may find gastric bypass surgery to be advantageous. Following medical advice can greatly decrease the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Bottom Line
Diabetes is a significant medical issue. Preventing type 1 diabetes is not currently achievable, but symptoms can be managed with insulin and other medications.Although genetic factors may play a role in the development of both types of diabetes, individuals can lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and control its progression by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, it is essential to adopt healthy habits to lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
