Final answer:
In type 2 diabetes, target cells do not respond normally to insulin due to insulin resistance, whereas in type 1 diabetes, there is a lack of insulin production due to an autoimmune condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In type 2 diabetes, target cells do not respond normally to insulin. This condition arises from insulin resistance, where cells of the body become unresponsive to insulin due to malfunctioning insulin-receptor sites. Despite the presence of insulin in the bloodstream, the cells cannot take up enough glucose from the blood, disrupting glucose homeostasis.
Type 1 diabetes differs from type 2 diabetes as the former involves an autoimmune attack on the beta cells of the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes need synthetic insulin to manage their blood glucose levels. In contrast, individuals with type 2 diabetes produce insulin but the body's cells are resistant to its effects, often requiring changes in diet and exercise, and sometimes medication or insulin injections to properly manage the condition.