There are many differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes – namely how and why a person gets the disease. But there are also similarities. They include how the disease is treated and diabetic diets that are followed.
Once diabetes is diagnosed it is no longer really a matter of why but how to manage it. Whether it is type 1 diabetes and enough insulin is not being produced or it is type 2 diabetes and the insulin that is being produced is not being utilized the solution is to provide more insulin to the body. This is most commonly done with an insulin injection in the morning or spaced out over the course of the day with multiple injections. That will be determined on the individual and their insulin needs – not which type of diabetes they have.
It used to be that type 1 diabetes was found in children or young adults under the age of 25 and type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in adults over the age of 40. There have been many cases to the contrary proving that anyone may be at risk of being diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes – adults have been diagnosed with type 1 and young children have been found to have type 2 diabetes.
The management of either type of diabetes is also dependent on a healthy diet and regular exercise. By maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping active a person can reduce their insulin requirements and keep their blood sugars in a safe range (set by their doctor).
Despite the different reasons for having diabetes, the two types are very similar in other ways and the treatment plan that works does so for both. Another common trait they share is the complications that can arise to internal organs (especially the kidneys).