Differentiating Type I And Type II Diabetes ✓ Solved

DIFFERENTIATING TYPE I & TYPE II DIABETES TYPE I DIABETES: Cause:

This paper will differentiate between Type I and Type II diabetes, explaining the causes, symptoms, and treatments associated with each type.

Type I Diabetes

Causes

Type I diabetes is characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. This condition may arise from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, particularly in individuals carrying certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, such as HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4. In some cases, the onset is idiopathic, meaning the exact cause remains unclear (Atkinson et al., 2014). The disease usually manifests in childhood or adolescence, with most cases diagnosed between the ages of 11 and 13 years (Coutinho et al., 2019).

Symptoms and Manifestations

The hallmark of Type I diabetes is an absolute deficiency of insulin due to the loss of beta cells. This leads to several physiological changes and symptoms, including:

  • Hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels)
  • Weight loss as the body begins to use fat as an energy source, producing ketones that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Polyuria (increased urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) resulting from the osmotic effect of glucose
  • Increased appetite (polyphagia) despite weight loss
  • Fatigue due to insufficient energy utilization

Treatment

Managing Type I diabetes involves a multifaceted approach:

  • Insulin administration is essential to control blood glucose levels.
  • Meal planning, including carbohydrate counting, is vital to prevent spikes in blood sugar.
  • Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.
  • In some cases, pancreas transplantation may be considered for suitable candidates (Skyler et al., 2017).

Type II Diabetes

Causes

Type II diabetes is more prevalent than Type I and typically occurs in adults over the age of 40. Risk factors include obesity, a family history of diabetes, female sex, and belonging to certain ethnic minorities (American Diabetes Association, 2020). Unlike Type I, the exact cause of Type II diabetes remains unclear, but it often results from insulin resistance, where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, coupled with increased glucagon secretion (Zinman et al., 2015).

Symptoms and Manifestations

Similar to Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes also presents with hyperglycemia; however, the symptoms may develop more gradually. Common manifestations include:

  • Hyperglycemia
  • Weight gain due to metabolic changes
  • Fatty liver disease and cirrhosis
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Visual changes and fatigue
  • Polyuria and polydipsia

Treatment

Management of Type II diabetes focuses on lifestyle changes and may include:

  • Administration of oral hypoglycemic agents, plus or minus insulin, based on the patient's individual needs.
  • Diet and meal planning to manage carbohydrate intake and maintain healthy weight.
  • Regular physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Type I and Type II diabetes is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Type I diabetes is primarily an autoimmune disorder requiring insulin therapy from the onset, while Type II diabetes is associated with lifestyle factors and is often manageable through diet, exercise, and medications. Adequate education on these differences can help patients and their families in managing their conditions effectively.

References

  • American Diabetes Association. (2020). Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: standards of medical care in diabetes-2020. Diabetes Care, 43(Supplement 1), S14-S31.
  • Atkinson, M. A., Eisenbarth, G. S., & Michels, A. W. (2014). Type 1 diabetes. The Lancet, 383(9911), 69-82.
  • Coutinho, M. M., de Oliveira, A. M., & Nascimento, B. J. (2019). Pediatric autoimmune diabetes: A review. Pediatric Diabetes, 20(3), 249-263.
  • Skyler, J. S., Bergenstal, R., Bonifacio, E., et al. (2017). Differentiation of type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a report of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care, 40(3), 445-459.
  • Zinman, B., Wanner, C., et al. (2015). Empagliflozin, cardiovascular outcomes, and mortality in type 2 diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 373(2), 211-221.
  • American Diabetes Association. (2021). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2021. Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S1-S232.
  • Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J., Cypress, M., et al. (2016). Diabetes self-management education and support in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Spectrum, 29(4), 264-276.
  • Dupre, J., et al. (2019). The Role of Diet and Physical Activity in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes: An Epidemiological Study. Diabetes Care, 42(8), 1539-1545.
  • American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. (2016). AACE/ACE Comprehensive Diabetes Management Algorithm. Endocrine Practice, 22(5), 542-551.
  • Buse, J. B., Wexler, D. J., Tsou C., et al. (2020). American Diabetes Association's position statement on diabetes and COVID-19. Diabetes Care, 43(10), 2665-2670.

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