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Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? The most basic difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 is genetic, and type 2 results from an individual’s lifestyle. In some cases, the latter is genetic as well. However, the individual’s lifestyle also plays a significant role. Besides, while type 1 affects about seven to eight percent of the total diabetics, type 2 is prevalent in over 90 percent! There’s more to the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Let’s proceed to look at it.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes – Differences

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have many similarities and differences. Let’s highlight a few prominent differences like the basic change, causes, symptoms, treatment, and cure.

Type 1Type 2
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune reaction. It attacks pancreas cells that produce insulin and are caused due to genetics. The onset generally takes place at a young age and lasts forever.Type 2 diabetes features the body’s resistance to insulin. It is associated with both genetics and lifestyle. The condition usually occurs during adulthood and is reversible in many cases.
Some symptoms include extreme hunger, increased thirst, blurred vision, frequent urination, unintended weight loss, etc.Most type 2 symptoms are similar to type 1. However, some others include fatigue, slow-healing sores, numbness in hands or feet, and darkened skin areas near neck and armpit and many others. Although, based on the individual, some of these symptoms may be seen in type 1 diabetes as well.
The symptoms appear quickly.The symptoms are seen gradually.
The condition is controlled by taking insulin to help control blood sugar.While insulin is one way of managing type 2 diabetes, experts also prescribe medications, regular exercises, and balanced diet to reverse it.
Currently, type 1 diabetes does not have any cure, although yes, research around it is going on worldwide.Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured. However, it can be prevented and in many cases, with the right exercises, diet and favorable patient response, experts have been able to reverse it.

Preventing Diabetes is Better!

While a person may have little in hand when it comes to controlling type 1 diabetes, the type 2 counterpart can be prevented and reversed. Of course, preventing and reversing it demands many lifestyle changes and habit sacrifices. Nevertheless, preventing diabetes is always better, considering the potential complications that its progression results in, and given that reversal requires even more effort, time, and money. India, which is the diabetes capital of the world, has a lot of hard work to do in this area!

To know more about diabetes and its reversal treatment, consult Ranka Hospital’s diabetologists and get the most appropriate diabetes advice. For appointments, call Ranka Hospital at +91 20 2426 1600.

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