Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are both chronic conditions that affect the way your body regulates blood sugar, or glucose, but they have different causes and onset patterns.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in children and young adults, where the body's immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to a deficiency of insulin.
As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin regularly to manage their blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is more common and typically develops in adults, though it can occur at any age. The onset of Type 2 diabetes is most often caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.
Obesity is a primary risk factor, particularly when fat is distributed primarily in the abdomen. It is characterized by insulin resistance, where your body doesn't use insulin properly, and over time, your body may not make enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2018). "Type 1 Diabetes." www.diabetes.org. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1
Mayo Clinic. (2020). "Type 2 diabetes." www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
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