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I have been regularly asked about the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. So, I decided to write this post so as to share specific information with my patients.

Prevalence
Type 1 diabetes accounts for around 10% -15%of all diagnosed diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 85% of all people with diabetes.

Diagnosis
Type 1 - Usually diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood although it can occur at any age
Type 2 - Usually diagnosed in adults over 45 years.

Risk Factors
Type 1 - is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Type 2 - Older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity.

Cause
Type 1 - The cells inside the pancreas that make insulin have been destroyed, so the pancreas is unable to make insulin. People who develop type 1 diabetes seek medical help quickly as they become seriously ill from the onset of the disease.
Type 2 - The beta cells still function, however; the body is resistant to the effects of insulin and/or an insufficient quantity of insulin is produced. Most people do not seek medical help quickly as symptoms develop slowly or may not be obvious.

Symptoms
Type 1 - Extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, lethargy, increased appetite, sudden weight loss for no reason, sudden vision changes, sugar in urine, ketones in urine, heavy or laboured breathing, unconscious-ness. These symptoms have abrupt onset.
Type 2 - Any symptoms of Type 1; recurring or hard-to-heal skin, gum or urinary tract infections; drowsiness; tingling of hands and feet; itching of skin and genitals. These symptoms appear gradually over time. Symptoms can be less marked and sometimes no symptoms appear.

Treatment
Type 1 - Multiple daily injections of insulin and blood glucose tests. Carefully calculated diet, physical activity. It is difficult to manage.
Type 2 - Dietary and lifestyle changes; in some cases oral medication or insulin. The condition is relatively easy to manage.

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