Diabetes has two main types — completely different in cause, age, and treatment. Understanding the difference helps manage the disease better.
Type 1 (5-10% of cases):
- Cause: Autoimmune — immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas.
- Result: Pancreas produces no insulin at all.
- Age: Usually starts in childhood or adolescence.
- Onset: Sudden — severe thirst, frequent urination, rapid weight loss.
- Treatment: Insulin only — no other option.
- Weight: Patient usually thin or normal weight.
Type 2 (90-95% of cases):
- Cause: Insulin resistance — cells don't respond to it + pancreas gradually tires.
- Age: Usually over 40 — but increasing in youth due to obesity.
- Onset: Gradual — many patients don't know they're affected for years.
- Treatment: Diet and exercise first, then pills (Metformin), then insulin if needed.
- Weight: 80% of patients have overweight or obesity.
Prediabetes:
Fasting sugar 100-125 or HbA1c 5.7-6.4% — a reversible stage with lifestyle changes.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we diagnose diabetes early and create a comprehensive treatment plan.