user: Hey, Assistant, I am currently working on a nursing school assignment and would really appreciate your help in comparing and contrasting type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Could you first define them at a 5th grade reading level and tell me the key differences between them?

assistant: Sure! Type 1 diabetes is when your body doesn't make insulin anymore.  Insulin is important for turning sugar into energy. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day so they can live.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not use insulin well or makes less of it over time. This happens most often in adults who are overweight, but can also happen in children if they don’t exercise much and eat too many sugary foods.  Many people with Type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose (blood sugar) by eating healthy, being active, losing weight, and taking medicine.  Sometimes doctors might even recommend that someone with Type 2 diabetes needs to start using insulin injections like patients with Type 1 diabetes have to do.

Now, let's look at the key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:
1. Cause: Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an autoimmune response, which means the body attacks its own insulin-producing cells. In Type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't use insulin properly, often because the cells become resistant to insulin.
2. Age of onset: Type 1 diabetes often starts in childhood or adolescence, while Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults. However, Type 2 diabetes can also occur in younger people, especially if they are overweight or have a family history of diabetes.
3. Treatment: People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day, either through injections or an insulin pump. Type 2 diabetes is often managed with lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, and may require oral medications or insulin injections if lifestyle changes are not sufficient.
4. Prevalence: Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1 diabetes. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2, while only 5-10% have Type 1.
6. Risk factors: Type 1 diabetes is often genetic, and there is no known way to prevent it. Type 2 diabetes has several risk factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, family history, and age.

I hope this helps you with your nursing school assignment! Let me know if you need any more information.

user: How can we reduce the risk of being affected by type 2 diabetes?

assistant: To reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, you can adopt several healthy habits and make lifestyle changes. Remember that it's never too late to start making healthier choices for your well-being. By adopting these healthy habits and making lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body weight, especially around the waist, can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight if you're overweight can significantly reduce your risk.

1. Eat a balanced diet: Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods, which can cause blood sugar spikes.

1. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, per week. You can also include muscle-strengthening exercises like lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises, as they can help improve insulin sensitivity.

1. Control portion sizes: Avoid overeating by practicing portion control. This can help you manage your weight and prevent blood sugar spikes.

1. Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. That generally means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

1. Don't smoke: Smoking can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking can improve your overall health and reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, including diabetes.

1. Regular check-ups: Keep track of your blood sugar levels and get regular check-ups, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.

1. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, as stress can negatively impact blood sugar levels.

1. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep can disrupt the hormones that regulate glucose metabolism and increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.