The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Curated By Dr Frank Dartey

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 person’s 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).