Distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a common problem, with around two million people diagnosed with the disease in the UK. The vast majority of these sufferers deal with type 2 diabetes, also known as maturity onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, however, is much rarer, with an estimated one in ten diabetes sufferers diagnosed with this variation of the condition. Type 1 diabetes is known as early-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes since it is more commonly found in children and young people and cannot be addressed solely through lifestyle changes. Nevertheless, many people remain confused by the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and this distinction needs some clarification.



Type 2 diabetes, the more common variant, is caused when the body stops responding to insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin is required by the body to aid the absorption of glucose so when the body fails to respond to insulin, blood glucose levels increase. The pancreas then reacts to this increase by creating more insulin, which stimulates the liver to produce more glucose. Over time, blood glucose levels can become very high and type 2 diabetes can set in.

In contrast, type 1 diabetes occurs when the cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin (beta cells) are destroyed by the body's immune system. Usually, the immune system creates antibodies to help fight viruses, bacteria and other harmful germs in the body's system. In autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, antibodies are created to destroy other cells in the body - in this case, beta cells in the pancreas. It is not known what triggers the body to attack non-harmful cells but some medical theories suggest that it may be caused by a virus.



Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are very similar to those of type 2, and can include the more frequent passing of urine, weight loss, a constant feeling of thirst, tiredness and itchiness around the genitals. But unlike type 2 diabetes, which can take many years to emerge, the symptoms of type 1 diabetes can show within weeks. Significant weight loss over a short period of time (two weeks to two months) is said to be the primary way of distinguishing between the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.



If you think you may be suffering from type 1 diabetes, it's important that you visit your GP as soon as possible. Common ways in which your GP will test for diabetes include a urine sample, a blood sample from your finger or a blood test. If none of these tests provide a definitive answer, you may have to undergo a glucose tolerance test. In the event that you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you may be referred to a hospital clinic that specialises in diabetes treatment and you will be prescribed insulin, which can be administered through injections or portable pumps.



The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa. The contents of this article are of a general nature only and do not constitute specific advice.  This article does not take into account your circumstances or needs and must not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice.