What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

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Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in Sweden and worldwide. The two most common forms are type 1 and type 2. Together, they affect hundreds of thousands of Swedes. However, they differ in causes, symptoms, treatment, and who is affected. Understanding the differences is important both for those living with diabetes and for relatives.

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Main Differences

• Cause: Type 1 is autoimmune; type 2 is caused by insulin resistance and reduced insulin production.

• Age: Type 1 often begins in childhood; type 2 mainly affects adults.

• Treatment: Type 1 always requires insulin; type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

• Progression: Type 1 develops quickly; type 2 develops slowly.

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What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin production stops completely, which prevents glucose from entering the cells, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar. The disease often begins in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age (1).

Treatment for Type 1

Since the body no longer produces insulin, lifelong treatment with insulin injections or an insulin pump is required. Continuous blood sugar monitoring is also necessary to maintain stable glucose levels (2).

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and develops gradually. The body still produces insulin, but the cells respond poorly to it – known as insulin resistance. Over time, insulin production also decreases. Type 2 is strongly linked to overweight, sedentary lifestyle, and age, but heredity also plays a role (3).

Treatment for Type 2

Treatment usually begins with lifestyle changes such as exercise and improved diet. Medication is often required, and in some cases, insulin treatment becomes necessary.

Symptoms – Similarities and Differences

Both types can cause fatigue, increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss.

• Type 1 develops quickly, often within weeks.

• Type 2 develops slowly and may remain undetected for years (4).

Complications and Risk of Falls

Without proper management, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and eye problems. These complications also increase the risk of falls:

• Nerve damage in the feet and legs reduces balance.

• Vision problems make it harder to detect obstacles.

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause dizziness and weakness.

Older adults with diabetes are therefore particularly vulnerable (5).

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.