Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition requiring lifelong insulin therapy, whereas Type 2 diabetes is often managed with lifestyle changes and may require medication over time.
So type 1 diabetes is often considered “worse” because it requires lifelong insulin therapy and cannot be managed through lifestyle changes alone.
This article will compare both to help you understand the differences & give you the best answer for which is more worse type 1 or 2 Diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
The inability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that converts dietary glucose into energy for cells, is the definition of diabetes.
If there’s not enough insulin or the body can’t use it properly, the cells that produce insulin won’t function.
This means excess glucose in the blood instead of being absorbed by cells, resulting in high blood sugar levels that can cause many health problems if not managed properly.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease commonly known as juvenile diabetes, as it usually manifests in childhood.
When the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, leaving the affected individual with little to no ability to produce this hormone, they will need to be on insulin therapy for life.
On the other hand, lifestyle factors such as poor diet and sedentary habits are often the culprits behind type 2 diabetes, the more common one in which either not enough insulin is produced or the body becomes resistant to its effects.
Some people can manage their condition with lifestyle changes alone. Others will need medication or even external insulin injections.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
While type 1 and type 2 diabetes may have similar characteristics, they differ in their causes, manifestations, and treatments. It’s important to know the differences to manage well.
We will examine the underlying causes and risk factors of each type of diabetes and their symptoms, progression, and treatments.
Causes and Risk Factors
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, making it an autoimmune disease.
This immune response has a genetic component with family history playing a big role. Certain genes increase the risk of developing this disease. Type 1 diabetes is not influenced by lifestyle, unlike type 2.
On the other hand, lifestyle factors such as weight gain, lack of exercise, and unhealthy diet have a big impact on the development of type 2 diabetes.
Age and ethnicity also play a role; some populations, like African Americans and Hispanics, are more prone to developing it, and those with a family history of this type.
Symptoms and Onset
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes appear fast, within weeks or months. Typically seen in children and young adults, this type manifests with sudden and severe symptoms that may include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Intense hunger
- Feeling weak and fatigued
- Blurry vision
On the other hand, symptoms of type 2 diabetes appear slowly, sometimes taking years to develop, and may only be diagnosed after complications arise.
People with type 2 diabetes may experience similar symptoms like increased thirst, more frequent urination, tiredness, and blurred vision, but these are milder compared to those with type 1 diabetes.
Treatment
Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy because the body can’t produce its own insulin. To keep blood sugar levels in range, patients have to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump.
Along with that, those with Type 1 diabetes need to monitor their carb intake and follow a healthy diet to avoid blood sugar fluctuations.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, people with Type 2 can sometimes manage without medication by making lifestyle changes such as better nutrition and more exercise.
But often people with Type 2 diabetes will need medical support or even insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, monitoring these levels is key to preventing complications and overall well-being.
To manage both types of the disease at least 3 times a year with an endocrinologist, strategies should be adjusted under medical supervision so blood sugar is well controlled.
Complications and Risks
If not controlled, diabetes can lead to many complications and health risks. These are divided into 2 types: short term and long term, each with its own set of problems.
Short-term Complications
One of the most severe short-term complications of diabetes, especially Type 1, is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
DKA happens when insulin levels are too low and the body breaks down fat for energy and ketones build up in the blood.
If left untreated, DKA can lead to severe health complications and even death.
Long-term Complications
If not controlled, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious long-term health problems.
High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels and can cause heart disease, kidney failure that may require dialysis or transplant, and neuropathy that increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High blood sugar can cause diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication where the retina’s blood vessels are damaged and can lead to blindness.
Life Expectancy
If diabetes is not controlled, it can shorten one’s life. Lifelong insulin therapy for Type 1 diabetes increases risk to life expectancy more than Type 2. If Type 2 diabetes is neglected, serious consequences will follow.
Managing Diabetes Effectively
This means choosing a healthy lifestyle, monitoring glucose levels, and using the right medical interventions.
Now let’s get into it.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A healthy lifestyle is crucial for type 2 diabetes. Eating a diet rich in fiber through fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains can help with weight management and prevent diabetes.
Including healthy fats from olive oil and oily fish promotes heart health and weight management.
- Eat whole, high-fiber foods and reduce processed carbs.
- Exercise regularly to increase insulin sensitivity and keep blood sugar in a normal range.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stabilize blood sugar.
To manage Type 2 diabetes, dietary habits and exercise are key. Losing 7-10% of your body weight can reduce the risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
For Type 1 diabetes, blood glucose monitoring is key to staying healthy. Here’s how to do it daily:
- Use your blood glucose meter regularly to monitor your blood sugar.
- Be aware of the carb content of food to better control blood sugar.
- Record and observe your glucose levels before, during, and after exercise to avoid low blood sugar.
Medical Treatments and Innovations
Managing blood sugar in Type 1 diabetes is key, and insulin therapy is part of it. Good blood glucose control can prevent long-term complications of diabetes like neuropathy, which can manifest as pain or numbness.
Research is ongoing for new treatments and clinical trials to manage diabetes and even delay the onset of the disease.
9 Ways to Manage Your Diabetes
To manage diabetes you need to combine lifestyle changes with monitoring. Here are 9 smart ways to do it.
- Eat at the same time every day to stabilize blood sugar.
- Adjust insulin doses according to carb intake to manage blood sugar.
- Exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week.
- Work with a dietitian to create personalized meal plans that meet your nutritional needs.
- Add high-fiber foods to your meals to better regulate glucose.
- Monitor blood sugar before, during, and after exercise to avoid hypoglycemia.
- Avoid sugary drinks as part of your long-term blood sugar management.
- Moderation in drinking and eating with food is part of diabetes care.
- Monitor your weight and adjust your diet and exercise accordingly to avoid the complications of intensive insulin therapy.
Using these tips can make overall living with diabetes better.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Managing type 1 diabetes not only requires physical monitoring but also emotional and psychological demands.
Living with type 1 diabetes can bring more emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, and stress in managing the condition.
The emotional responses can be:
- Overwhelmed and mentally exhausted
- Burnout, mood swings, and low self-esteem
- Feeling lonely and intense psychological discomfort
To manage these mental health issues, you need to see a professional or therapeutic interventions.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Living healthy and making informed decisions can help prevent Type 2 diabetes, especially by managing the risk factors.
Exercising regularly can improve insulin and reduce blood sugar. Here are the ways to prevent type 2 diabetes:
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight by losing 5-10% of your current weight.
- Exercise regularly with a goal of at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
- Eating meals around whole foods high in fiber and low in carbs.
- Quit smoking, as it increases insulin resistance and risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Both exercise and eating well are important in preventing Type 2 Diabetes, especially for those who are at risk.
Diabetes Diagnosis
Several blood tests are used to diagnose diabetes, including those that measure blood sugar. These tests will determine if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glucose levels.
Here are the diagnostic tests for diabetes.
A1C Test
A1C test measures the average blood sugar over a 3-month period.
Blood sugar at or above 6.5% is diabetes and is a diagnostic criterion because it shows glucose control over a long period of time.
Fasting Blood Sugar Test
After not eating for at least 8 hours overnight, the fasting blood sugar test is done.
If your blood sugar level is at or above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions, it’s diabetes, and you need further evaluation and treatment to keep yourself healthy by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
OGTT requires fasting overnight and then drinking a sugar-rich liquid. Blood sugar is measured before and after drinking the liquid to check glucose processing.
200 mg/dL or above is diabetes.
Autoantibody Testing
Autoantibody testing can detect specific immune proteins that are markers of autoimmune reaction, which helps confirm Type 1 diabetes and differentiate it from other types.
Bottom Line
So there you have it. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is lifestyle-related and sometimes can be managed without medication.
Both types of diabetes require blood sugar monitoring and healthy living to prevent complications.
