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Difference between Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes

  • Author :
  • TATA AIG Team
  • Published on :
  • 03/08/2022

Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes might have similar names, but these are two different diseases with distinct conditions.

The primary difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is the cause. Type 1 diabetes is a hereditary disorder that usually appears early in life. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a lifestyle-influenced disorder, and it develops over time.

Although there are several common associations between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there is a lot of variation, like their causes, who they affect, and how to manage them.

Here we have tried to compile information to help you spot the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes.

However, what you must not forget is to remember that both kinds are severe disorders and impose serious consequences on your health. So, no matter what condition you face, you must take the proper steps to address it.

Causes of Type One and Type Two Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes - The precise cause of type 1 diabetes is still unexplored. However, it is an autoimmune disorder that is caused by heredity or microbes like viruses. It afflicts if the immune system inaccurately attacks the beta cells of the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes - The causes of type 2 diabetes are determined to an extent. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are resistant to insulin. Their body either fails to make enough insulin or utilise it properly. More factors that contribute to causing type 2 diabetes include lack of physical activity and obesity.

In addition, different environmental and genetic factors also contribute. When you develop type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces more insulin. Since your body fails to use the produced insulin effectively, glucose begins to accumulate in your bloodstream.

Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

*Type 1 diabetes symptoms *

  • Fatigue
  • Excessive thirst
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Sudden weight loss

Type 2 diabetes symptoms

  • Increased thirst
  • Darker skin tone, especially around armpits and neck
  • Frequent infections
  • Increased hunger
  • Fatigue and sudden weight loss
  • Frequent urination
  • Slow-healing sores
  • Tingling sensation or numb feeling on hands and feet

Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes

The specific cause of type 1 diabetes stays unknown. However, some factors contribute to it.

1. Low insulin production - Lack of insulin production is one of the significant causes of type 1 diabetes. This happens when the beta cells of the pancreas are damaged or destroyed. Affected beta cells lead to insulin deficiency, leading to excessive glucose in the blood.

2. Family history and genetics - Genes play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of individual developing diabetes. As per research, some ethnic groups face a high rate of developing type 1 diabetes. They are —

  • Asians
  • Native Islanders
  • Hispanic Americans
  • African Americans
  • Native Americans

Genetic conditions like hemochromatosis and fibrosis can also damage the pancreas.

Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes

Factors associated with type 2 risk factors are as follows:

  • Obesity - Body fat, especially around the abdomen, indicates a high risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition, allover obesity is another crucial factor in developing diabetes.

  • Less physical activity - Physical activity controls body weight. Being inactive can lead you to obesity. The more weight you gain, the higher the risk of developing diabetes.

  • Blood lipid levels - People with low triglycerides and lipoproteins are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

  • Pregnancy-related risk - Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes during their pregnancy term face an enhanced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Now that you know the threat, you might be wondering how can you diagnose type one and type two diabetes. Also, to better understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, you must know how the two are diagnosed.

Tests Required for Type 1 Diabetes

  • Fasting blood sugar test - you fast overnight and provide blood for testing in the morning on an empty stomach.

  • Random blood sugar test - This is a test where your blood sample is taken randomly for testing. Professionals may repeat it if required.

  • Glycated haemoglobin test or A1C test - this test provides you with a record of an average blood sugar level in your body for the past three months.

Tests Required for Type 2 Diabetes

A professional would test a patient for type 2 diabetes with the same tests mentioned for type 1 diabetes. The trials and methods of testing are the same. However, there is an addition:

  1. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or OGTT - this test checks your blood sugar level before and after 2 hours of drinking a sweet beverage.
Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Definition Your body attacks the pancreas's beta cells, which further leads to no insulin production. The body is not able to make sufficient insulin or is unable to utilise it properly.
Risk Factors The causing factors are unknown. Some factors like weight and ethnicity might put people at risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms Appear quickly Symptoms appear slowly, making them more likely to be missed.
How to Manage? One can manage type 1 diabetes by taking insulin to control blood sugar levels. There are multiple ways to manage type 2 diabetes. Some management advice includes following a healthy diet, exercising, medication, etc. Some individuals might also have insulin prescribed as medication.
Prevention and Cure So far, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes also cannot be cured. However, there is proof that one can prevent and put it under remission.

Treatment and Management

Treatment and management of type one and type two diabetes are essential for a healthy life. Skillfully managing your diabetes helps you bypass severe health conditions.

Some easy day-to-day habits can go a long way to ease your life with type 1 diabetes:

  • You will need to take insulin to control blood sugar levels. You will also require to test your blood sugar levels regularly.
  • Count the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that you intake each day. This will help you decide the dose of insulin with your daily meals.
  • Eat healthy balanced meals and be physically active.

Follow the easy tips to manage your type 2 diabetes well:

  • Following a healthy diet and being physically active help you manage your weight and diabetes.
  • Take your medication on time as per prescription.

In Conclusion

Diabetes is a health issue that stays with you for a lifetime piling on bills one after the other. Medical expenditures for treating diabetes can be a burden and even exhaust all your savings if you do not plan. Plus, you can experience stress worrying about the future of your family. That is why you should always have an active medical insurance plan for you and your family.

Health insurance offers relief, both mentally and monetarily. The benefits of health insurance differ from policy to policy, and you can pick the one that suits your needs. A medical insurance plan is a secure investment that would help you go a long way when fighting a severe disorder like diabetes. In case you do not have one, visit Tata AIG’s website today, and purchase a health insurance plan for yourself and your family.


1. Which type of diabetes is worse, type 1 or type 2?

Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes affect your health. There is no more or less worse. Both kinds can be harmful if they go undiagnosed for a stretched period.

2. Is diabetes type 1 a permanent condition?

Type 1 diabetes makes your body incapable of producing enough insulin. It is a lifelong disease and requires proper management.

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