Type I Vs Type II Diabetes - Public Health Notes

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.