Type I Vs Type II Diabetes

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

Now, let us look at the major differences between Type I and Type II diabetes.

Major Differences Between Type I and Type II Diabetes:

Basis of difference Type I Diabetes Type II Diabetes
Body physiology/Relation with insulin In Type I diabetes, body attacks the cells in the pancreas. Therefore, pancreas cannot make any insulin.

i.e. The body does not make/produce insulin.

In Type II diabetes, either the body cannot make/produce enough insulin or the produced insulin does not work properly.
In short In Type I diabetes, pancreas do not make any insulin. In Type II diabetes, although pancreas create insulin, the created insulin is either not sufficient or the body does not use it properly.
Also known as It is also known as autoimmune disease. It is also known as progressive disease
Causes Genetic factors, environmental and auto-immune factors. Lifestyle, genetics and ageing.
Risk factors
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Some genetic features
  • Some medical conditions like cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis etc.
  • Family history of Type II diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle and
  • Unhealthy diet.
Signs
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Increased hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme fatigue and irritability.
  • Slow wound healing
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Dry and itchy skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Skin infection
  • Numbness or pain in hands/feet.
Age of onset of disease Type I diabetes is mainly seen in children and adolescents. However, it can occur in older population too. Type II diabetes is mainly seen in people above 30 years of age. Its incidence increases with increasing age. However, it can be also seen in younger population as well.
Commonness It is less common. According to Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), generally 5% people with diabetes have Type I diabetes. It is more common. According to Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), generally 95% people with diabetes have Type II diabetes.
Appearance of symptoms Symptoms are clear and easy to identify. They also appear quickly. Symptoms for type II diabetes may go unnoticed.
Alternative name Also known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) Also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM).
Onset The onset of Type I diabetes is rapid. The onset of Type II diabetes is slow and gradual. Might take years.
Condition It is an auto-immune condition. It is not auto-immune
Can be prevented? It cannot be prevented. It can be prevented with healthy lifestyle.
Treatment Treatment for Type I diabetes is limited to injecting insulin i.e. using insulin syringe. Treatment for Type II diabetes is wider. It involves healthy and balanced diet, exercise, weight loss etc.

References and For More Information:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

https://www.who.int/diabetes/publications/Definition%20and%20diagnosis%20of%20diabetes_new.pdf

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/differences-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/types-of-diabetes-mellitus

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7504

https://www.medicinenet.com/type_1_vs_type_2_diabetes_similarities_differences/article.htm

https://jdrf.org.uk/information-support/about-type-1-diabetes/what-is-the-difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes/

https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/uq1217abc

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2017/12/type-1-type-2-diabetes-difference

https://biodifferences.com/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes.html

https://patient.info/news-and-features/video-whats-the-difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes

https://diabetesresearchconnection.org/differences-type-1-type-2-diabetes/

https://www.diffen.com/difference/Type_1_Diabetes_vs_Type_2_Diabetes

https://diabetesstrong.com/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes/

https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-you-asked/what-difference-between-type-i-and-type-ii-diabetes

https://www.northbay.org/blog/diabetes/2015/What-is-the-Difference-Between-Type-I-and-Type-II-Diabetes.cfm

https://www.ajmc.com/peer-exchange/new-classes-for-treatment-of-type-2-diabetes/differentiating-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes

https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/a22863048/diabetes-type-1-vs-type-2/

https://www.mdedge.com/familymedicine/article/60354/diabetes/what-best-way-distinguish-type-1-and-2-diabetes

https://www.ihs.gov/diabetes/clinician-resources/soc/distinguishing-dm1/

https://health.usnews.com/conditions/diabetes/differences-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes

https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-type-1-and-type-2-diabetes#causes

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/difference-between-type-1-type-2-diabetes/

About Kusum Wagle 214 Articles
Hello and greetings everyone! I am Kusum Wagle, MPH, WHO-TDR Scholar, BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, Bangladesh. I have gained profound experiences in public health sector under different thematic areas of health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, research etc., targeting diverse audience of different age groups. I have performed diverse roles ranging from lecturer in the public health department of colleges, nutrition coordinator, research coordinator and consultant, in different programs, projects and academic institutions of Nepal. I also hold immense experience in working closely and persistently with government organizations, non-government organizations, UN agencies, CSOs and other stakeholders at the national and sub-national level. I have successfully led and coordinated different projects involving multi-sector participation and engagement. Moreover, I am also regularly involved in the development of different national health related programs and its guidelines.