Compare the causes and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Blood glucose levels are controlled by the pancreatic release of the hormone insulin. Insulin is released from the pancreas when blood glucose concentration is high. This causes glucose to move from the blood into the body's cells thereby reducing glucose levels in the blood. Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels become elevated. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes occur because blood glucose levels fail to be controlled by insulin however, both occur by different mechanisms and therefore are treated differently. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin to reduce blood glucose levels. Therefore, this type of diabetes can be treated with insulin injections to compensate for the reduced production of insulin in the body. On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes, the body's cells are no longer responsive to insulin. Therefore, the body's cells do not take up the glucose meaning levels in the blood remain high. This type of diabetes cannot be treated with insulin injections as the cells are not responsive to insulin. However, type 2 diabetes can be treated by making changes to lifestyle. Maintaining a carbohydrate-controlled diet, to reduce glucose intake, and regular exercise, to utilise glucose, are common treatments for type 2 diabetes.