If we are going to look at diabetes Type 1 vs. Type 2, we should first define diabetes which is a metabolism disorder. A large percentage of the food we consume breaks down into glucose (blood sugar). Glucose is a source of food for the cells of our bodies.

During digestion food is broken down and reaches enters our bloodstream in the form of glucose. Glucose which is needed by our cells for growth and energy is useless without insulin.  Our pancreas produces insulin and will release the right amount of insulin. This results in the cells receiving the necessary blood glucose, and lowering the sugar levels in the blood.

Okay, now you know what is supposed to happen, let’s have a look at what can go wrong, and this of course would be diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetes occurs due to hyperglycemia, which is when blood sugar is not within normal range. This will occur because of one of two main reasons:

1.    Type 1 Diabetes is when the body is unable to produce insulin
2.    Type 2 Diabetes is when the cells do not respond effectively to insulin

The result is that too much glucose will accumulate in the blood. The overabundance of blood glucose leaves the body during urination. The blood has more than enough insulin, but a person dealing with diabetes is not receiving the proper requirements needed for growth and energy.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, since the body is destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. A person with Type 1 is not producing insulin; most of the time Type 1 shows up before a person is 40 years of age, it can develop after 40, but it is not common.

Insulin must be taken regularly to control Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 is not the result of a person’s lifestyle. Excessive weight, whether a person is fit or unfit will not change the inevitable of developing Type 1. Unfortunately you cannot prevent Type 1with exercise or diet. Type 1 patients have lost their beta cells, which produce insulin.

Type 2 however, in most instances is caused by dealing with excessive bodyweight, poor lifestyle choices and lack of fitness for some time. Someone with Type 2 has to deal with one of two issues, sometimes both. The first of course is the production of insulin is insufficient. The second reason is that the person is insulin resistant. Normally, Type 2 appears later in life, but with obesity and a lack of physical fitness on the rise, there has been an increased amount of young people developing Type 2.

When comparing diabetes Type 1 vs. Type 2, it seems Type 2 can be controlled by simple lifestyle changes, but unfortunately Type 1 has to be controlled artificially by medical means.