Differences Between Type 1 (Insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (Non-Insulin-dependent) Diabetes Mellitus |
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|---|---|---|
| Variable | Type I (Insulin-dependent) Diabetes Mellitus | Type 2 (Non-Insulin-dependent) Diabetes Mellitus |
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Endogenous (naturally occurring) insulin
|
Absolute
deficiency of insulin; pancreas produces no insulin
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Relative
insufficiency of insulin
|
|
Dependence on exogenous insulin
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Total dependence on insulin injections for remainder of life
|
Varies; disease may be controlled by combination of: diet, exercise, oral hypoglycemics, and insulin injections
|
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Typical onset
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Abrupt
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Insidious
|
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Age at onset
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Anytime during childhood years; usually before age 20
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Most common between age 40 and 60 years
|
|
Weight at onset
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Normal or sudden, unexplained loss of weight
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Overweight or obese
|
|
Gender
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Slightly more common in boys than girls
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More common in women than men
|
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Ethnicity
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More common in Caucasians
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More common in Hispanics and Native Americans
|
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Ketoacidosis
|
Relatively common
|
Relatively rare
|
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Ease of control/stability
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Unstable, difficult to achieve steady blood sugar level
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Stable, easier to achieve steady blood sugar level
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Presenting symptoms
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Q Polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia (“three P’s”)
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More commonly related to long-term complications (e.g., changes in vision or kidney function)
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Complications
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Occur more frequently and at relatively younger age because of younger age at onset of disease; rate 80% or greater
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Occur less frequently, and often not seen until later adult years; rate is variable
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