Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 — AQA GCSE Biology

Diabetes is a condition where blood glucose concentration is not controlled properly. There are two types.

Type 1 diabetes

• Caused by the pancreas producing little or no insulin.
• Blood glucose can rise to dangerously high levels.
• Usually begins in childhood.
• Treated with insulin injections (often before meals), along with attention to diet and exercise.

Type 2 diabetes

• The body cells stop responding to insulin properly.
• A major risk factor is obesity.
• Usually develops in later life.
• Treated with a carbohydrate-controlled diet and a regular exercise regime; drugs may also be used.

Interpreting data

You should be able to:

• compare Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,
• interpret data on BMI (body mass index) and waist:hip ratio as indicators of obesity, and
• evaluate the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

$$\text{BMI} = \frac{\text{mass (kg)}}{(\text{height (m)})^2}$$

Exam tips

• Type 1 = no insulin produced → insulin injections.
• Type 2 = cells don't respond to insulin; linked to obesity → diet and exercise.
• Be able to calculate and interpret BMI.
• Distinguish the cause and treatment of each type clearly.