Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: What’s the Difference?

 hunger, weight loss, blurred vision and extreme tiredness and glycosuria.

Type 1 diabetes commonly occurs in children and teenagers, which is why it has been known as juvenile-onset diabetes. More often than not, type 1 diabetes onset appears before the age of 40.  

Type 2

Type 2 is more common than Type 1, accounting for up to 90% of all cases. Type 2 diabetics suffer from one of two problems (or sometimes both): either (1) not enough insulin is being produced by the beta cells in the pancreas or (2) the insulin being produced in their pancreas is ineffective—this is known as insulin resistance.

Although there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, a change in lifestyle, medication, or gastric surgery resulting in weight loss can lead to remission. In some cases of Type 2 diabetes, insulin injections are used; however, most cases can be controlled with diet, exercise and oral medication. Like Type 1 diabetics, Type 2 diabetics are able to gauge their blood sugar levels using blood glucose meters.

Some potential triggers of Type 2 diabetes include genetic factors and metabolic syndromes. Type 2 diabetes usually appears in the later stages of life. Some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are: fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, slow wound healing, frequent infections, blurred vision and weight loss.

Want to learn more about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? Visit the rest of our website at https://www.medisure.ca.