Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: What Are the Differences?

Has been reviewed and approved by dr. Dananti Kusumawindani, Sp.PD

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases in the world. According to IDF Diabetes Atlas, The number of diabetes sufferers has reached 537 million people globally, and this figure is expected to continue to increase every year.

This disease is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which, if uncontrolled, can lead to various serious complications. There are several types of diabetes, but the most common are type 1 and type 2.

So, what's the difference between the two? Read the full explanation in this article.

What Happens When the Body Experiences Diabetes?

Our bodies produce the hormone insulin through the pancreas. Insulin plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels by helping the body's cells absorb glucose (sugar) from food—especially carbohydrates—to convert it into energy.

However, in people with diabetes, this process is disrupted. Either because the body doesn't produce enough insulin or because the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin. As a result, glucose isn't absorbed optimally and builds up in the blood vessels, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body produces no insulin at all or only produces very small amounts. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

This condition is usually caused by an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children and adolescents, but it can also affect adults.

Type 1 Diabetes Prevention

Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented because the primary causes are genetic factors and autoimmune disorders. This means that even healthy people with controlled blood sugar levels can still develop type 1 diabetes. However, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are still important to help manage blood sugar levels.

Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy because their bodies cannot produce insulin naturally. Insulin is usually administered through daily injections or using an automatic insulin pump.

The injection location can vary—it could be in the stomach, upper arm, thigh, or buttocks—depending on comfort and insulin absorption needs. In addition, regular blood sugar monitoring is highly recommended as part of effective diabetes management.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't use insulin effectively (known as insulin resistance), or when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels rise and build up, causing metabolic disorders that can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is autoimmune, type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually and is more common in adults and older adults. Main risk factors include:

• Age above 45 years.

• Overweight or obesity.

• Family history of diabetes.

• Lack of exercise.

• High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Some effective steps include:

• Maintain an ideal weight.

• Arrange a balanced diet, rich in fiber, and low in added sugar.

• Exercise regularly, at least 3-5 times per week of light and moderate activity.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Regularly check your health, especially your blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, doctors will usually prescribe medication to help the body regulate blood sugar.Some of the medications include:

• Metformin: The most common oral medication for treating type 2 diabetes. This medication helps the body be more responsive to insulin and reduces the production of sugar by the liver.

• Sulfonilurea, DPP-4 inhibitor, SGLT2 inhibitor, GLP-1 agonist: Other types of oral or injectable drugs that are adjusted to the patient's condition.

• Insulin: Although more common in type 1 diabetes, some patients with type 2 diabetes also require insulin, especially if the pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed and regularly monitored to maintain a good quality of life. The key is maintaining a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle.

If you or someone close to you is living with diabetes, it is important to have regular consultations with your doctor internal medicine specialist Of Premier Hospital Surabaya to get proper treatment from our doctors.

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