The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

To an outsider, the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be confusing. They are both similar disease that require insulin in order to manage the diabetes and have a properly functioning body. But where it gets confusing is the reason why the two different types of diabetics need the insulin and which one has different treatment options.

Type 1 diabetes is not about lifestyle choices or a persons weight; when a person is born their genetic make-up already make it likely they are going to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In most cases the diabetes is diagnosed in childhood and that is why it is referred to as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetics will have a choice of daily insulin injections (sometimes more) or an insulin pump that provides a steady supply of insulin to the body. An insulin pump also has the ability to provide a bolus (extra insulin) before meal times or when needed. Type 1 diabetes can be managed by the options available for treatment is limited.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity and hereditary factors. In the majority of people who are diagnosed they have a close family member who has diabetes (a parent, grandparent, or a sibling) and they are typically overweight or obese. There are choices available to people with type 2 diabetes in how it is treated. It can be controlled by diet, oral medication, or insulin injections. The choice will be made with the help of your doctor and the severity of your disease. If you get your diabetes under control it is entirely possible that you can downgrade your treatment method (from insulin injections to oral medication).

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are two diseases with the same name but they develop in different ways.

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