Final answer:
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin production due to the destruction of beta cells, whereas type 2 diabetes is predominantly due to insulin resistance, often exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Both types can have serious health complications if not managed properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The failure to control blood sugar in type 1 diabetes occurs because the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin due to the destruction of beta cells, often by the body's immune system itself. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood glucose levels, and without it, the blood glucose can become dangerously high. On the other hand, in type 2 diabetes, the primary issue is insulin resistance, where body cells do not respond properly to insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels. Factors contributing to type 2 diabetes include being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle with a poor diet.
Without proper management, both types of diabetes can lead to complications that affect multiple organ systems, such as the cardiovascular system, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, leading to potentially serious conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and neuropathy.