Dr. Jaiwant Rangi explains the difference: type 1 is autoimmune destruction of pancreatic cells, making patients insulin-dependent for life. Type 2, which accounts for 95% of cases, happens when the body retains some insulin-producing capacity. Type 2 can often be prevented through lifestyle changes, while newer treatments can preserve beta-cell function and reduce insulin need.
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We often get patients asking us if they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Can we differentiate between type 1 and diabetes and type 2 diabetes? Pretty much. So we can differentiate in majority of the patients, but sometimes the differences are very small and we may have to do further testing to understand it clearly what kind of diabetes somebody has? 95% of people in the world have type 2 diabetes. Only about 5 to 7% have type 1 diabetes. The biggest difference is type 1 diabetes patients have damage of their insulin producing cells because of autoimmunity, where the body reacts against their own beta cells and stops their capacity to make their own insulin. Therefore they're insulin dependent. That means whenever they get diagnosed, they have to go on insulin right away and they have to stay on insulin for rest of their life. Type 2 patients, on the other hand, usually are capable of making their own insulin until later stages of type 2 diabetes in most cases and in some cases it starts early and in some patients they have insulin making capacity throughout till the end and they never need to go on insulin. So Everybody with type 2 diabetes may have a very different presentation depending on their genetics, depending on their lifestyle and depending on their own risk factors. Who gets type 1 diabetes? It's usually a condition that happens in children, teens and young adults. Type 2 diabetes on the other hand, happens most often in elderly. But we are seeing change in the trend. There are lots and lots of children and young adults that are getting type 2 diabetes now because of sedentary lifestyle and not having enough activity and changes in their diet. We can prevent type 2 diabetes, but we cannot prevent type 1 diabetes. Therefore, if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, get yourself checked. Depending on where you are in what stage of diabetes, we may have lots of newer medication treatment options to offer and that may prevent you from further worsening effect on the beta cells. And we could be able to preserve your beta cells so you do not have to go on insulin. Or we could have some other treatments that may even help you lose weight. If that's one of your risk factors for developing diabetes to begin with, happy to help you. If you have any questions, call our office doctor range from Sacramento. Www.rengimd.com Thank. You.
