Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetesis a chronic condition that results in impairedblood glucose (sugar)regulation in the body. This can often bring about high blood glucose levels. However, there is more than one type of diabetes. The most common are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is anautoimmune conditionin which your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. As a result, your body is no longer able to make insulin.
Insulinis a hormone that helps decrease blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes often occurs in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetesis a chronic condition that develops slowly over time. With type 2 diabetes, your bodydoesn’t use insulin properly, often resulting in high blood sugar levels. Over time, people with type 2 diabetes can also develop deficiencies in insulin production and require insulin replacement.
Type 2 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in adults. However, more and more children are developing type 2 diabetes.
Make sure to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis so that you can receive the proper treatment.
Andriy Onufriyenko / Getty Images
Diabetes Mellitus: What a Diagnosis Means for Your Health
The symptoms that occur with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both due tohigh blood glucose levelsand are very similar. However, a big difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms is how quickly they appear.
Type 1 diabetes develops in stages. The first two stages do not have symptoms. In stage 1, the body begins to produce autoantibodies, which are the antibodies that attack the body’s insulin-producing cells. In stage 2, the person develops glucose intolerance or dysglycemia. Symptoms don’t become apparent until stage 3 and often come on suddenly.
In people with type 2 diabetes, symptoms usually appear much more gradually. Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes do not notice any signs until blood glucose levels are very high.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
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Causes of Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells inside thepancreas. As a result, the body is no longer able to make insulin. Insulin is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels when they get too high.
Researchers haven’t pinpointed an exact cause of type 1 diabetes.However, they have found that someone is more likely to develop type 1 diabetes if they have the following risk factors:
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs due to several factors, including certain lifestyle habits and genetics. These include:
In the United States, type 2 diabetes is more often diagnosed in these ethnicities: Black, Latinx, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islanders, or Asian.
Many people with type 2 diabetes often have insulin resistance (cells in the body don’t respond normally to insulin). Over time, if blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes stay high, insulin-producing cells in the pancreas can become damaged and lose their ability to make and provide insulin for the body.
The same tests and criteria are used to diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The healthcare provider uses their clinical judgment initially to make the classification.
Type 1 diabetes often remains undiagnosed until symptoms appear during the third stage. It is possible to receive an earlier diagnosis, however. People with first- or second-degree relatives with type 1 diabetes may choose to be screened so the condition can be identified before it becomes symptomatic.
Blood tests, such as autoantibody or genetic tests, can help to determine whether a person has type 1 versus type 2 diabetes if it is unclear or they don’t respond well to oral medications to reduce blood sugar.If you don’t have symptoms and you test positive for two or more type 1 diabetes autoantibodies, you have abnormal blood glucose levels, and you don’t have type 2 diabetes, you will be diagnosed with stage 2 type 1 diabetes.
There are also other types of diabetes like maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) orlatent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)as two examples.Type 1 diabetes, previously known as “juvenile onset” or “insulin dependent” diabetes, is most often diagnosed in children and teens, though adults can also be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. About 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is most often diagnosed in adults over 45, though more and more children, teens, and young adults are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Reading an A1c Chart to Monitor Diabetes
Because of the different causes and treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it is critical to receive a proper diagnosis. While the aim for diabetes treatment (to stabilize blood glucose levels) may be similar, the treatments for type 1 versus type 2 diabetes can be very different.
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Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes
Once the body has progressed to stage 3 type 1 diabetes, it can no longer make insulin. People with stage 3 type 1 diabetes requireexogenous (from outside the body) insulinto survive. Insulin can be administered viasyringeorpeninjection,insulin pump, or insulin inhaler.There are also other injectable medications available for people with type 1 diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes mustcheck their blood glucose levels regularly, usually numerous times a day. This can be done with ablood glucose monitor. However, many people with type 1 diabetes use a wearablecontinuous glucose monitor (CGM)that automatically and frequently checks their blood glucose levels throughout the day.
Anartificial pancreas, or automated insulin-delivery system, is a newer treatment option available for people with type 1 diabetes. An artificial pancreas is a three-part wearable system that works together to mimic how a healthy pancreas controls blood glucose in the body.
As with anyone, a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for people with type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes often have tocount carbohydratesin what they eat and drink to know the correct dosage for their insulin.
What Is DKA?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)is a life-threatening condition in which your body doesn’t have enough insulin to move glucose out of the blood and into cells for energy. Instead, the body starts to break down fat in the liver for energy. This process producesketones, which can build up to dangerously high levels in the body.
If someone with diabetes is experiencing DKA, it is critical to call emergency medical services or 911 for treatment and care.
Life Expectancy With Type 1 Diabetes
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes often still produce some insulin in their body. Because of this, only some people with type 2 diabetes use insulin as part of their treatment plan.Oral medications (pills) or medication injectionsare commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. Currently, only people with type 2 diabetes can use pills to manage their diabetes.
Besides insulin, there are several different classes (types) of medications for type 2 diabetes, which work in different ways to help lower blood glucose levels. These include:
Aside from medication and blood glucose monitoring, lifestyle habits are a big part of self-management with type 2 diabetes, such as:
What About Weight Loss Surgery?
How long the improved blood glucose levels last varies from person to person. The amount of weight lost, as well as how long a person has had diabetes and whether they used insulin, also play a factor in the improved blood glucose levels.
Some people with type 2 diabetes who have undergone weight-loss surgery have had their blood glucose levels return to normal and no longer need to use diabetes medications, putting their diabetes in “remission”.However, it’s still important to keep in mind there arerisksassociated with weight-loss surgery.
Research is currently underway to determine if weight-loss surgery is an option for people with obesity and type 1 diabetes to help manage their blood glucose levels.
Providers on your diabetes healthcare team may include:
With manyrisk factors for type 2 diabetesbeing modifiable, there are ways to help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. These include:
Summary
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic medical conditions in which people need to self-manage their blood glucose levels. However, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and type 2 diabetes is largely related to lifestyle habits, as well as family history.
Diagnostic tests used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. Type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and teens while type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults—though anyone of any age can be diagnosed with either type of diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin as part of their treatment plan, while people with type 2 diabetes might control their diabetes with diet, exercise, and/or medications. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed with lifestyle modifications and/or medications.
A Word From Verywell
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that requires lifelong management. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is essential to help you succeed with your diabetes management. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself if you have questions or concerns about your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that often shows up suddenly and early in life, whereas type 2 is largely lifestyle-related and develops slowly over time—most often in adults.Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different treatments. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin as part of their treatment plan, while people with type 2 diabetes might control their diabetes with diet, physical activity, and/or medications.Learn MoreTypes of Diabetes MellitusThe same tests and diagnostic criteria are used to diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, blood tests, such as autoantibody tests, can help to determine whether a person has type 1 versus type 2 diabetes.Genetic testing may also be performed to help determine the type of diabetes.Learn MoreHow Type 2 Diabetes Is DiagnosedType 2 diabetes is more common in the United States, with 90 to 95% of all people with diabetes having type 2. Only 5 to 10% of diabetes cases are type 1.Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults, while type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and teens—though anyone of any age can be diagnosed with either type of diabetes.Learn MoreType 1 Diabetes Facts and Statistics: What You Need to KnowType 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune condition, unlike type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that is often a result of insulin resistance (the body is not able to properly use insulin). People with type 2 diabetes can typically still make insulin in their body, whereas people with type 1 diabetes cannot.Learn MoreType 2 Diabetes: Statistics and Facts
The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that often shows up suddenly and early in life, whereas type 2 is largely lifestyle-related and develops slowly over time—most often in adults.Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different treatments. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin as part of their treatment plan, while people with type 2 diabetes might control their diabetes with diet, physical activity, and/or medications.Learn MoreTypes of Diabetes Mellitus
The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that often shows up suddenly and early in life, whereas type 2 is largely lifestyle-related and develops slowly over time—most often in adults.Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different treatments. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin as part of their treatment plan, while people with type 2 diabetes might control their diabetes with diet, physical activity, and/or medications.
The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that often shows up suddenly and early in life, whereas type 2 is largely lifestyle-related and develops slowly over time—most often in adults.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different treatments. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin as part of their treatment plan, while people with type 2 diabetes might control their diabetes with diet, physical activity, and/or medications.
Learn MoreTypes of Diabetes Mellitus
The same tests and diagnostic criteria are used to diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, blood tests, such as autoantibody tests, can help to determine whether a person has type 1 versus type 2 diabetes.Genetic testing may also be performed to help determine the type of diabetes.Learn MoreHow Type 2 Diabetes Is Diagnosed
The same tests and diagnostic criteria are used to diagnose both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, blood tests, such as autoantibody tests, can help to determine whether a person has type 1 versus type 2 diabetes.Genetic testing may also be performed to help determine the type of diabetes.
Learn MoreHow Type 2 Diabetes Is Diagnosed
Type 2 diabetes is more common in the United States, with 90 to 95% of all people with diabetes having type 2. Only 5 to 10% of diabetes cases are type 1.Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults, while type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and teens—though anyone of any age can be diagnosed with either type of diabetes.Learn MoreType 1 Diabetes Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
Type 2 diabetes is more common in the United States, with 90 to 95% of all people with diabetes having type 2. Only 5 to 10% of diabetes cases are type 1.Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults, while type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in children and teens—though anyone of any age can be diagnosed with either type of diabetes.
Learn MoreType 1 Diabetes Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune condition, unlike type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that is often a result of insulin resistance (the body is not able to properly use insulin). People with type 2 diabetes can typically still make insulin in their body, whereas people with type 1 diabetes cannot.Learn MoreType 2 Diabetes: Statistics and Facts
Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune condition, unlike type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that is often a result of insulin resistance (the body is not able to properly use insulin). People with type 2 diabetes can typically still make insulin in their body, whereas people with type 1 diabetes cannot.
Learn MoreType 2 Diabetes: Statistics and Facts
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Insel RA, Dunne JL, Atkinson MA, et al.Staging presymptomatic type 1 diabetes: a scientific statement of JDRF, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association.Diabetes Care. 2015;38(10):1964-74. doi:10.2337/dc15-1419American Diabetes Association.Understanding type 1 diabetes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of diabetes.Rewers M, Stene LC, Norris JM.Risk factors for type 1 diabetes. In:Cowie CC, Casagrande SS, Menke A, et al., eds.Diabetes in America. 3rd ed. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2018.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.Johns Hopkins.Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Butler A E, Misselbrook D.Distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.BMJ.2020;370:m2998 doi:10.1136/bmj.m2998National Library of Medicine.TZIELD- teplizumab-mzwv injection.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 diabetes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes tests & diagnosis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug that can delay onset of type 1 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.4 ways to take insulin.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Artificial pancreas.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetic ketoacidosis.American Diabetes Association.Type 2 diabetes medications.Brethauer SA, Aminian A, Romero-Talamás H, et al.Can diabetes be surgically cured? Long-term metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Ann Surg. 2013;258(4):628-637. doi:10.1097/SLA.0b013e3182a5034bVilarrasa N, San Jose P, Rubio MÁ, Lecube A.Obesity in patients with type 1 diabetes: links, risks and management challenges.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021;14:2807-2827. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S223618National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Preventing type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Insel RA, Dunne JL, Atkinson MA, et al.Staging presymptomatic type 1 diabetes: a scientific statement of JDRF, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association.Diabetes Care. 2015;38(10):1964-74. doi:10.2337/dc15-1419American Diabetes Association.Understanding type 1 diabetes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of diabetes.Rewers M, Stene LC, Norris JM.Risk factors for type 1 diabetes. In:Cowie CC, Casagrande SS, Menke A, et al., eds.Diabetes in America. 3rd ed. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2018.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.Johns Hopkins.Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Butler A E, Misselbrook D.Distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.BMJ.2020;370:m2998 doi:10.1136/bmj.m2998National Library of Medicine.TZIELD- teplizumab-mzwv injection.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 diabetes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes tests & diagnosis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug that can delay onset of type 1 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.4 ways to take insulin.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Artificial pancreas.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetic ketoacidosis.American Diabetes Association.Type 2 diabetes medications.Brethauer SA, Aminian A, Romero-Talamás H, et al.Can diabetes be surgically cured? Long-term metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Ann Surg. 2013;258(4):628-637. doi:10.1097/SLA.0b013e3182a5034bVilarrasa N, San Jose P, Rubio MÁ, Lecube A.Obesity in patients with type 1 diabetes: links, risks and management challenges.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021;14:2807-2827. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S223618National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Preventing type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Insel RA, Dunne JL, Atkinson MA, et al.Staging presymptomatic type 1 diabetes: a scientific statement of JDRF, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association.Diabetes Care. 2015;38(10):1964-74. doi:10.2337/dc15-1419American Diabetes Association.Understanding type 1 diabetes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of diabetes.Rewers M, Stene LC, Norris JM.Risk factors for type 1 diabetes. In:Cowie CC, Casagrande SS, Menke A, et al., eds.Diabetes in America. 3rd ed. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2018.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.Johns Hopkins.Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Butler A E, Misselbrook D.Distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.BMJ.2020;370:m2998 doi:10.1136/bmj.m2998National Library of Medicine.TZIELD- teplizumab-mzwv injection.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 diabetes.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes tests & diagnosis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug that can delay onset of type 1 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.4 ways to take insulin.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Artificial pancreas.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetic ketoacidosis.American Diabetes Association.Type 2 diabetes medications.Brethauer SA, Aminian A, Romero-Talamás H, et al.Can diabetes be surgically cured? Long-term metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Ann Surg. 2013;258(4):628-637. doi:10.1097/SLA.0b013e3182a5034bVilarrasa N, San Jose P, Rubio MÁ, Lecube A.Obesity in patients with type 1 diabetes: links, risks and management challenges.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021;14:2807-2827. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S223618National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Preventing type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes.
Insel RA, Dunne JL, Atkinson MA, et al.Staging presymptomatic type 1 diabetes: a scientific statement of JDRF, the Endocrine Society, and the American Diabetes Association.Diabetes Care. 2015;38(10):1964-74. doi:10.2337/dc15-1419
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of diabetes.
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Cowie CC, Casagrande SS, Menke A, et al., eds.Diabetes in America. 3rd ed. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes.
Johns Hopkins.Type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Butler A E, Misselbrook D.Distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.BMJ.2020;370:m2998 doi:10.1136/bmj.m2998
National Library of Medicine.TZIELD- teplizumab-mzwv injection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 1 diabetes.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes tests & diagnosis.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves first drug that can delay onset of type 1 diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.4 ways to take insulin.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Artificial pancreas.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetic ketoacidosis.
American Diabetes Association.Type 2 diabetes medications.
Brethauer SA, Aminian A, Romero-Talamás H, et al.Can diabetes be surgically cured? Long-term metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Ann Surg. 2013;258(4):628-637. doi:10.1097/SLA.0b013e3182a5034b
Vilarrasa N, San Jose P, Rubio MÁ, Lecube A.Obesity in patients with type 1 diabetes: links, risks and management challenges.Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2021;14:2807-2827. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S223618
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Preventing type 2 diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes.
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