Difference Between Type One & Type Two Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body lacks a hormone called insulin. This lack of insulin makes it difficult for the body to break down food because the body needs insulin to transform food into sugar. An individual with diabetes may be unable to produce insulin (Type One diabetes) or unable to produce enough insulin (Type Two diabetes) to break down food.

Effects

• Both types of diabetes can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, Type One diabetes can also lead to celiac disease and/or ketoacidosis.

Prevention

• There is no way to prevent Type One diabetes, but an individual may be able to reduce the risk of developing Type Two diabetes through diet and exercise.

Identification

• Both types of diabetes have similar symptoms, but the symptoms will typically be more severe and develop more quickly in Type One diabetes than they will in Type Two.

Time Frame

• Type One diabetes symptoms typically develop during childhood, while Type Two diabetes symptoms can develop at any age.

Treatment

• Type One diabetes is typically treated with insulin. Type Two diabetes, however, is typically treated with diet, exercise and/or oral medications such as Glucotrol.