Compare type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Type 1 is insulin-dependent diabetes and is caused due to the underproduction of insulin, because the body attacks its own beta-cells which are needed to produce insulin (autoimmune disease). This means that the body can no longer produce insulin, and cannot store excess glucose as glycogen. This also means that after a person has eaten, glucose levels remain increased for a long time since there is decreased breakdown of glucose to glycogen. This disease has a child onset. Insulin injections are given to these patients and their blood glucose levels are closely monitored.On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is not insulin-dependent, as patients can still produce insulin but their cells become insensitive to insulin due to the increased exposure of high levels of glucose for a large period of time. Obesity and family history can also increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Beta cells of these patients may become exhausted leading to reduced production of insulin. This disease has an adult onset. Treatment of this disorder is a low carbohydrate diet, as well as lifestyle changes such as exercise. Blood glucose levels are also monitored.