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The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

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Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the pancreas is not producing insulin correctly or the body has ceased to react to the insulin properly. It can have damaging affects on the heart, kidneys, nerves, and vision. It is a condition that has risen from one million sufferers in 1958 to over eleven million in the year 2000.

Type 1 Diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, also called IDDM or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, the pancreas has stopped functioning right and is either not producing enough insulin for the body’s needs or isn’t producing insulin at all. This results in a high blood sugar reading as the body isn’t able to process the sugar.

This is usually seen in people who are 30 years old or younger and is considered juvenile diabetes. The course of treatment for type 1 diabetes is insulin injections to put enough insulin into the body to regulate the sugars in the body.

Symptoms for type 1 diabetes include:
• Excess thirst
• Powerful hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination

Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, also called NIDDM or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, the pancreas is still producing insulin but the body isn’t able to respond to it correctly, and this results in a blood sugar reading that is too high.

This is usually seen in people who are 40 years old or older and considered adult onset diabetes. The course of treatment for type 2 diabetes can be diet, exercise, some oral medications, or if need be, insulin injections. All of these can help regulate the blood sugar levels.

Symptoms for type 2 diabetes include:
• Excess thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Irritability
• Slow healing sores
• Bladder, vaginal, or skin infections frequently
• Tingling in hands or feet

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Tina Samuels
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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