Diabetes Differences: Type 1 Vs. Type 2
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Even if you’re not familiar with the details of diabetes, you likely know the terms Type 1 and Type 2. More than 30 million people in the United States have this chronic disease. That’s about one in 10 people.
Diabetes occurs when the body’s blood sugar, also called glucose, becomes too high. Glucose travels from the food you eat to your cells with the help of a hormone called insulin, which is made in the pancreas. Diabetes develops when too little or no insulin is produced by the body. When this happens, glucose builds up in the blood and can become dangerously high.
But what’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2? Here’s an at-a-glance view comparing the two conditions:
| Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | |
| What Is It? | Occurs when the body does not make insulin. This is an autoimmune condition, which means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. | Occurs when the body does not make or use insulin well |
| Other Names | insulin-dependent diabetes, T1D, and formerly called juvenile diabetes | non-insulin-dependent diabetes, T2D, and formerly called adult-onset diabetes |
| Age at Diagnosis | More often diagnosed in children and young adults, but can show up at any age | Most often diagnosed in adults over age 45, but can develop in children, teens, and young adults |
| Prevalence (out of 450 million people with diabetes worldwide) | 5-10 percent | 90-95 percent |
| Cause | Exact cause not known. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be triggers. | Related to being overweight or obese, lifestyle, not being physically active, smoking, genetics |
| Treatment | Not preventable or curable. Those with Type 1 are insulin dependent for life. | Can sometimes be prevented with proper exercise and a healthy diet. Treated with lifestyle modifications and medication. |
Managing Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a complex condition that requires a great deal of time and effort every day.
Regardless of the type of diabetes a person has, a top priority in managing the disease is making healthy choices
- Eat a healthy diet
- Be physically active
- Take any prescribed medications as directed
- Keep track of your blood sugar levels
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Don’t smoke
- Aim to keep your stress level low
- Limit alcohol
- Get plenty of sleep
- Learn about your condition so you know what to expect and how to handle complications that might come about because of it
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Answer a few questions and we'll provide you with a list of primary care providers that best fit your needs.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Beyond Type 1; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
