There are several key differences between the two main types of Diabetes that you should be familiar with if you are concerned about Diabetes – either in terms of your own health or that of a loved one. Here is a short summary of what you need to know.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. That is, the body destroys its own organs and tissues. Because it is an autoimmune disorder, there is no way to reduce the risk of getting it.

Type 1 Diabetes usually shows up in young people, which is why it used to be referred to as Juvenile Diabetes. However, since it can sometimes be triggered at any age due to virus or injury to the pancreas, it is now referred to as Type 1 Diabetes. In addition, children are now being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, which used to appear only in adults. It is crucial to know the difference between the two in order to get the correct and safe treatment.

In the case of Type 1 Diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas which normally produce Insulin are destroyed. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body convert the food you eat into energy that is then distributed to your cells. With no Insulin, a medical emergency can result due to sudden symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, confusion and fainting.

Low blood sugar is known as hypoglycemia. High blood sugar is termed hyperglycemia. Think of hyper – as in hyperactive, or a sugar rush, and you will understand the main difference between the symptoms in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Insulin is essential for managing this condition safely. Those with Type 1 Diabetes will often be offered a wearable Insulin pump to try to keep their blood glucose levels steady and reduce the risk of wrong doses or missed doses of Insulin, which can trigger hypoglycemia.

Those with Type 1 Diabetes should watch what they eat, control their weight, and exercise as needed to avoid many of the possible complications of Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes used to be known as adult-onset Diabetes, but as it has now been diagnosed in children as young as toddlers, it is now simply referred to as Type 2. In most cases, the symptoms are subtle, so it does not often manifest as a medical emergency.

The main issue with Type 2 Diabetes is hyperglycemia – that is, too much blood sugar. However, hypoglycemia, as in Type 1 Diabetes, can occur if the person is not taking their medication and/or prescribed Insulin correctly.

Some people with Type 2 Diabetes will need to use Insulin, but it is not essential compared with Type 1. There is now a wide range of drugs available for dealing with blood glucose that are usually taken orally, not needing to be injected as with Insulin. Because of the dual concerns of both high and low blood sugar, regular testing of the blood is required in order to keep blood glucose in a healthy range.

Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes can often be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. In some cases, it can even be reversed, such as through weight loss, a better diet, and regular exercise.

These are the main differences between the two, but it is important to note the primary similarities as well.

Diabetes greatly increases the risk of a number of secondary complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and foot or leg amputations. This being the case, if you are at risk of Diabetes it is important to stop smoking, lead a healthy lifestyle, and stay in close contact with your doctor. And above all, it means taking your medicines as prescribed to maintain optimal wellness.