Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Similarities and Differences

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin to break down glucose or when it loses its ability to handle insulin (Atkins, 2016). It is inevitable that the body will have to handle glucose since it is found in the bloodstream as a result of the food eaten for the purpose of production of energy. The two most common forms are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as discuss the medical approach to diabetes

A distinctive feature between the two forms of diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is highly associated with genetic factors since it is diagnosed at childhood (Atkins, 2016). Herein, it is often apparent that the body cannot produce enough insulin (Atkins, 2016). Type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes), on the other hand, is often associated with lifestyle factors and it occurs when the body is unable to make use of the insulin it produces (Atkins, 2016). There are variations with respect to the medical approach in treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type1 diabetes is managed through the administration of insulin whereas the latter is managed with non-insulin medications (Atkins, 2016). 

There are various points of convergence between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Firstly, although it is often thought that the type 1 is more associated with genetic factors, it is quite apparent that there are instances when type 2 diabetes is also caused by genetic factors (Tuomi, 2005). Another point of convergence herein is that the symptoms are relatively identical in both instances (Tuomi, 2005). 

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or when it loses the ability to handle insulin. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar to the extent that the highly recognized causative agents are relatively distinct. The point of convergence, however, is seen in the symptoms and the accompanying dangers thereto. 

References

Atkins, S. (2016). First Steps to Living with Diabetes (Type 1 & 2). Lion Books.

Tuomi, T. (2005). Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: What do they have in Common? American Diabetes Association54 (suppl 2), S40-S45. Retrieved from