Control of blood glucose concentration: Students should be able to compare Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and explain how they can be treated.

The idea

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes both cause blood glucose to rise too high, but their causes and treatments differ. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, so glucose cannot be taken up by body cells effectively. Treatment usually involves insulin injections, alongside diet and exercise. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but body cells no longer respond well to it. Treatment commonly involves a carbohydrate-controlled diet and an exercise regime, sometimes with medication. A student can compare them by stating the cause, the insulin status and the main treatment for each.

For example: A person with Type 1 diabetes needs insulin injections because their pancreas cannot supply enough insulin, whereas a person with Type 2 diabetes may manage their blood glucose by changing diet and increasing exercise.

What earns the marks

• Type 1 diabetes: pancreas produces little or no insulin; Type 2 diabetes: pancreas produces insulin but cells respond less well.
• Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections; Type 2 diabetes is commonly treated with a carbohydrate-controlled diet and exercise regime.
• Lifestyle factors such as obesity are linked to Type 2 diabetes but not to Type 1 diabetes.
• Comparison should include at least one similarity and one difference between the two types.
• Treatment explanations should link the treatment to its effect on blood glucose concentration.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Saying Type 1 diabetes is caused by obesity.

  Put it right: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin; obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.

• Stating that both types are treated with insulin injections.

  Put it right: Type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections, while Type 2 diabetes is commonly treated with diet and exercise, though medication may be used.

• Describing Type 2 diabetes as the pancreas not producing insulin.

  Put it right: In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas produces insulin, but body cells no longer respond to it properly.

Exam tips

• Use a table or clear sentences to compare Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, covering cause, insulin production and treatment.
• Always link treatment to the underlying problem: insulin injections replace missing insulin in Type 1; diet and exercise reduce insulin resistance in Type 2.
• Avoid vague statements like 'diabetes is when you have too much sugar'; specify the type and the mechanism.