Differences between T1DM and T2DM

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes may have similar names, but they’re different diseases with different causes.

The key difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 doesn’t produce insulin and is
believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction and develops early in life. While type 2 diabetes, it
doesn’t respond to insulin as well as they should and later in the disease often don’t make enough
insulin and develops over the course of many years and is related to lifestyle factors such as being
inactive and carrying excess weight and it is usually diagnosed in adults.

What is happening?

T1DM or Type 1 Diabetes is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. In people with type 1
diabetes, the immune system mistakes the body’s own healthy cells for foreign invaders. The immune
system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. After these beta cells are
destroyed, the body is unable to produce insulin but research into autoimmune diseases is ongoing.

Researchers don’t know why the immune system sometimes attacks the body’s own cells. It may have
something to do with genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to viruses but diet and
lifestyle habits do not cause type 1 diabetes.

T1DM or Type 2 Diabetes People with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. The body still produces
insulin, but it’s unable to use it effectively. Other genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.
When you develop type 2 diabetes, your pancreas will try to compensate by producing more insulin
because your body is unable to effectively use insulin, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream.

Researchers aren’t sure why some people become insulin resistant, and others don’t, but several
lifestyle factors may contribute, including being inactive and carrying excess weight.

RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less clear than risk factors for type 2 diabetes, it includes:

1. Family history: People with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of
developing it themselves.
2. Age: Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age, but it’s most common among children and
adolescents.
3. Genetics: Having specific genes may increase the risk of type 1 diabetes. A person’s doctor can
check for these genes.

You’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you;

 have prediabetes, or slightly elevated blood sugar levels
 are carrying excess weight or have obesity
 have a lot of belly fat
 are physically active less than 3 times a week
 are over age 45
 have ever had gestational diabetes, which is diabetes during pregnancy
 have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
  are Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native due to structural
inequities contributing to health disparities
 have an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
 have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

SYMPTOMS
type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms such as:
 urinating frequently
 feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot
 feeling very hungry
 feeling very fatigued
 having blurry vision
 having cuts or sores that don’t heal properly
 having blurry vision
 having very dry skin
 having more infections than usual
 People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes may also experience irritability, mood changes,
and unintentional weight loss.
Although many of the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar, they present in very different
ways.
Many people with type 2 diabetes won’t have symptoms for many years, and their symptoms often
develop slowly over a long period of time.
Some people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all and don’t discover they have the condition
until complications arise.

MANAGEMENT
People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, so it must be regularly taken, and blood sugar levels
must be regularly checked. Some people take injections into soft tissue, such as the stomach, arm, or
buttocks, several times a day. Other people use insulin pumps, it supply a steady amount of insulin into
the body through a small tube. Blood sugar testing is an essential part of managing type 1 diabetes
because blood sugar levels can go up and down quickly.

Type 2 diabetes can be managed and even prevented with diet and exercise, but many people need
extra support. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medications that help your
body use insulin more effectively. Monitoring your blood sugar is an essential part of type 2 diabetes
management, too. It’s the only way to know whether you’re meeting your target levels. Your doctor may
recommend testing your blood sugar occasionally or more frequently. If your blood sugar levels are
high, your doctor may recommend insulin injections.

CURE AND PREVENTION

There’s currently no cure for type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, so it
must be regularly taken, and blood sugar levels must be regularly checked.
Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented. Type 2 diabetes may be possible to lower the risk of developing
through these lifestyle changes, such as:

 maintaining a moderate weight

 working with your doctor to develop a healthy weight-loss plan, if you have overweight
 increasing your activity levels
 eating a balanced diet and reducing your intake of sugary foods or overly processed foods
Even if you’re unable to prevent the disease, careful monitoring can get your blood sugar levels back to
standard and prevent the development of severe complications.

The Differences Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms like slowed metabolism, tiredness, and weight gain. Having an
underactive thyroid can decrease or slow down your bodily functions.

With hyperthyroidism, you may find yourself with more energy, as opposed to less. You may experience
weight loss as opposed to weight gain. And you may feel anxious as opposed to depressed.

The most common difference between the two diseases relates to hormone levels. Hypothyroidism
leads to a decrease in hormones. Hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in hormone production.

What is Happening
With hypothyroidism, the lack of thyroid hormones can slow down some bodily functions, which can
cause:

 slowed heart rate

 weight gain

 difficulty tolerating the cold

 depression

With hyperthyroidism, the overproduction of thyroid hormones can speed up bodily functions. This can
result in:

 a rapid or irregular heartbeat

 weight loss

 difficulty tolerating heat

 irritability, nervousness, and anxiety

RISK FACTORS

Although anyone can develop hypothyroidism, you're at an increased risk if you:

 Are a woman

 Are older than 60

 Have a family history of thyroid disease

 Have an autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease

 Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications

 Received radiation to your neck or upper chest

 Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)

 Have been pregnant or delivered a baby within the past six months
Risk factors for hyperthyroidism include:

Medical Conditions
Medical conditions may increase your risk of hyperthyroidism:

 Certain common viral infections

 Pregnancy—A small percentage of women develop postpartum thyroiditis (hyperthyroidism
following pregnancy).
 A history of other autoimmune disorders

Age
Hyperthyroidism can happen at any age, but it is more common in people aged 60 and older. Graves
disease (one cause of hyperthyroidism) is more likely to occur between ages 40-60 years old.

Gender
Women are more likely than men to develop hyperthyroidism.

Genetic Factors
A family history of Graves disease or other forms of hyperthyroidism increases your risk.

Ethnic Background
People of Japanese ancestry appear to be at greater risk of hyperthyroidism. This may be attributed to a
diet high in saltwater fish, which are rich sources of iodine.
SYMPTOMS
Hypothyroidism have many symptoms that can vary between people, it includes:

 fatigue
 depression
 feeling sensitive to cold
 thinning hair
 muscle stiffness
 stiffness and pain in your joints
 slowed heart rate
 decline in the ability to sweat
 constipation
 heavy or irregular menstrual periods
 fertility issues

While some symptoms of hyperthyroidism are easy to spot, others are only visible in somebody with an
advanced condition.
Key signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
 noticeable weight loss
 rapid or irregular heart rate
 nervousness
 difficulty sleeping
 fatigue
 shaky hands
 muscle weakness
 irritation
 tiredness
 frequent bowel movements
 muscle weakness
 goiter, which is an enlargement in the neck
In some cases, medical professionals can mistake hyperthyroidism for dementia or depression. Older
adults may also experience different symptoms, such as a loss of appetite.

Management

To treat hypothyroidism, a doctor prescribes medications to replace the thyroid hormones. They will
usually prescribe levothyroxine in the form of a pill, liquid, or softgel capsule.

Before prescribing levothyroxine, a doctor will order a blood test to check thyroid levels, then repeat the
blood test in 6–8 weeks  after the medication is started.

The doctor will adjust the dose until a person reaches a dose that works for them. Each time the dose is
adjusted, they will perform a blood test.
Hyperthyroidism treatment may include:

 medications

 radioiodine therapy

 surgery

Medications include beta-blockers to reduce symptoms such as tremors or rapid heart rate.

Antithyroid medications, such as methimazole, or propylthiouracil for people in the first 3 months  of
pregnancy, can help the thyroid produce less hormones.

Radioiodine therapy is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism. It destroys the cells in the thyroid that
are producing too much of the hormones.

Cure and Prevention

With careful management, and follow-up appointments with your
healthcare provider to make sure your treatment is working properly, you
can lead a normal and healthy life. Hypothyroidism cannot be prevented,
the best way to prevent developing a serious form of the condition or
having the symptoms impact your life in a serious way is to watch for signs
of hypothyroidism. If you experience any of the symptoms of
hypothyroidism, the best thing to do is talk to your healthcare provider.
Hypothyroidism is very manageable if you catch it early and begin
treatment.

There is a permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism. Removing your

thyroid through surgery or destroying your thyroid through medication
will cure hyperthyroidism. However, once your thyroid is removed or
destroyed, you’ll need to take thyroid hormone replacement medications
for the rest of your life. Your body still needs thyroid hormones, just not at
such high levels as you have in hyperthyroidism. Though you'll need to
take the medication and check in with your healthcare provider regularly,
this is a manageable form of thyroid disease.