Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2)

Diabetes mellitus impairs blood glucose regulation due to insulin deficiencies, impacting millions globally. Type 1 happens when the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, stopping insulin production completely. Type 2 happens when the body doesn't respond to insulin or doesn't make enough of it. The condition is often linked to how a person lives. Both raise blood sugar levels, which can lead to problems like heart disease and nerve damage.

Most Important Differences

• Causes: Type 1 is autoimmune and usually starts in childhood. Type 2 is linked to obesity, age, and genetics, and it makes up 90% of cases.

• Onset: Symptoms of type 1 appear quickly, while symptoms of type 2 develop slowly, sometimes without anyone noticing.

• Prevalence: Type 1 affects 8–10% of people; Type 2 is more common because of modern diets.

Signs and symptoms

Some common signs are being very thirsty, needing to urinate a lot, being worn out, having blurry vision, and having wounds that take a long time to heal. Type 1 may cause sudden weight loss, while type 2 may not show any symptoms at first.

Management

People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin for the rest of their lives, count carbs, and exercise. Type 2 focuses on diet, exercise, oral medications, and sometimes insulin. Regular monitoring prevents problems from occurring in both types of diabetes.