Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and their common symptoms

Normally, there are two types of diabetes. They are Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Let us see these two conditions and understand the difference between the two. We shall also look at some of the common symptoms. We shall look at the difference from an Ayurvedic perspective. Ayurveda believes that our body suffers from various ailments primarily because of the imbalance of the three Doshas, the Vata, Kapha, and the Pitta.

Type 1 diabetes or Sahaja Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is also known as genetic diabetes or Sahaja diabetes. This is because this disease occurs in people at a very young age. However, only about 5 to 10% of people exhibit Type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is because of the imbalance of the Vata Dosha. In this condition, the body’s immune system destroys the Beta cells in the pancreas. These cells are responsible for the production of insulin. With the destruction of these cells, the pancreas is not in a position to produce insulin. This lack of insulin entails that the cells are not able to absorb the sugar needed to produce energy. Therefore, this is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or Madhumeha

Type 2 diabetes or Apathyaja Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes can occur at any age. More than 90 to 95% of diabetes cases in the world belong to the Type 2 diabetes. In this diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body is not able to use the insulin in the right manner. Hence, the body develops a resistance to the insulin. Therefore, this condition is also known as insulin-resistant diabetes. Ayurveda believes that an imbalance of the Kapha Dosha is the main reason for Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is known as Iksumeha. As it is acquired diabetes, Ayurveda refers to it as Apathyaja Diabetes.

Broad difference between the two: