Diabetes mellitus refers to a condition characterized by highly elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) resulting from defects in insulin secretion and/or action. In order to promote the absorption of blood sugar by the tissue cells, the hormone “insulin” produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic Islets of Langerhans is essential.

Diabetes mellitus can hence be classified into two broad types: Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 diabetes) and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes). The two types can be distinguished clearly well.

• Age group at risk: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is normally diagnosed among children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the other hand is diagnosed among adults and the elderly. However, as per Drake and co-researchers study in 2002, an increasing number of young adolescents are also being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to lifestyle changes and obesity.
• Vulnerable population: All ethnic groups (though with lower number of Asians) are known to be at the risk of developing type 1 diabetes, while African Americans and Native Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, and Asians, are races particularly at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Physiology: Type 1 diabetes occurs due to lack of insulin production, which is a result of the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells itself. When the body is low on insulin hormone, blood sugar levels are always diagnosed to be on the higher side. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is found to occur due to inappropriate utilization of the insulin hormone produced by the body itself. A resistance towards insulin is developed gradually due to high blood sugar levels and high demands of insulin production for a prolonged period that the beta cells find difficulty to cope with. The blood sugar levels tend to elevate and are not absorbed appropriately by the body tissues.
• Insulin dependence: To regulate blood sugar in case of type 1 diabetes, insulin needs to be injected at calculated time intervals. This is the reason why the condition is referred to as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus”. Since the insulin levels are variable in type 2 diabetes, there is only temporary dependence on insulin. Hence, this condition is termed as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
• Etiology or cause: Type 1 diabetes may be a genetic predisposition or a result of a serious viral illness while type 2 diabetes can be a genetic inheritance and faulty diet and lifestyle factors.
• Associated symptoms: Another distinguishing feature between the two, is that type 2 diabetes has a strong association with acanthosis nigricans and obesity, while type 1 does not have such an association.
• Pre-diagnosis: Prior to diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus, increased thirst, hunger, urination, blood sugar, and weight loss are common. It may also result in growth failure. While in the case of type 2 diabetes, elevated blood sugar can cause very mild glucose excretion in urine, mild keto-acidosis, and weight loss that may or may not occur.
• Post diagnosis: Post diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, regular blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration and dietary restrictions need to be accurately calculated throughout life. While for those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, oral insulin medications may be recommended, and diet and exercise patterns need attention.
• Screening: No screening schedules are stated for type 1 diabetes as opposed to type 2 diabetes.
• Treatment options: On the treatment front, type 1 diabetes involves insulin therapy, carbohydrate counting, and regular blood sugar monitoring, while type 2 diabetes needs to be treated by blood glucose lowering therapy and changes in exercise and diet patterns.
• Preventive measures: The primary difference is that there has been no way discovered to prevent type 1 diabetes, but type 2 diabetes can be prevented by controlling sugar and fat intake, increasing physical activity levels and normalizing body weight.

Diabetes mellitus is rapidly growing among populations across the globe. Education and awareness can be the key to prevent and manage diabetes and its associated symptoms.