Diabetes is also known by the public as 'sugar disease' or 'diabetes'. Diabetes is divided into 2 types, namely type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Although they have the same symptoms, there are differences between the two. Not only from the cause, but also the treatment.
In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce the hormone insulin. Whereas in type 2 diabetes, the body's cells become less sensitive to the hormone insulin, even though the production and levels of the hormone insulin are normal.
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. This hormone functions to help the body's cells take sugar from the blood and convert it into energy.
Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in terms of Causes
In type 1 diabetes, the beta cells in the pancreas are damaged, resulting in decreased insulin production. As a result, the body's cells cannot take sugar from the blood and blood sugar levels rise.
Type 1 diabetes occurs due to a disorder called autoimmune, in which antibodies that are supposed to protect the body against infection attack the body's own cells. In this case, what are attacked by antibodies are beta cells in the pancreas.
The reason why antibodies produced by the immune system attack pancreatic beta cells is not known for certain. However, this condition is thought to be related to genetic factors (heredity) and certain viral infections, such as the mumps virus (mumps).mumps) and Coxsackie viruses.
While in type 2 diabetes, insulin can be produced normally, but the body's cells are less sensitive so they cannot use it optimally. As a result, blood sugar levels will also increase as in type 1 diabetes.
The cause of the body's cells become insensitive and can not use insulin properly is also not known for certain. However, there are several factors that are known to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, namely a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and increasing age.
Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in terms of Symptoms
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes actually have the same symptoms. The following are symptoms that type 1 and type 2 diabetes sufferers can experience due to high blood sugar levels in their bodies:
- Easy thirst
- Easily hungry
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Tired easily
- Blurred vision
- Wounds take longer to heal
So what distinguishes the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes? The difference between the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes lies in the time span of the appearance of the symptoms.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually appear immediately and develop rapidly within a few weeks. Whereas in type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are not obvious at first, but slowly the symptoms will get worse. It is not uncommon for people with type 2 diabetes to realize their disease after experiencing serious complications.
In patients who show symptoms of diabetes, the doctor will check their blood sugar, whether it is normal blood sugar (GDS), fasting blood sugar (GDP), or hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c). HbA1c examination is the most ideal examination because it can provide information on the patient's average blood sugar level for the last 2-3 months.
To determine whether the patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the doctor will recommend antibody tests to detect levels of antibodies that attack beta cells in the pancreas. This antibody test can differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, because these antibodies can only be found in type 1 diabetes.
Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in terms of Treatment
People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce the hormone insulin. This causes type 1 diabetics to depend absolutely on external insulin administration. People with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin into their bodies several times a day and monitor their blood sugar levels closely.
While type 2 diabetics usually do not need insulin in the early stages of the disease, because the body is still producing insulin.
Type 2 diabetes that is still in its early stages can be overcome with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding high-calorie foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight. If there is no improvement, then the doctor will give drugs or insulin.
Differences between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in terms of the age of the sufferer
Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and adolescents, while type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults over the age of 40. However, this figure is not a definite benchmark. Sometimes older people can also develop type 1 diabetes and young people can develop type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, should not be ignored and should be treated appropriately. If not, there will be various complications that can be fatal. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, you should consult a doctor.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur