Key takeaways

  • Type 1 diabetes is associated with an autoimmune response, while type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors, including physical activity and eating habits.
  • Genetics play a part in both main types of diabetes, with family history being key risk factors for diabetes.
  • You can develop type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes at any age. While T1D was once viewed as “juvenile diabetes” and only adults were diagnosed with T2D, those are outdated and misguided concepts in modern medical care.
  • Both types of diabetes may lead to chronically high blood sugar levels that can increase the risk of diabetes complications.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes may have similar names, but they have different causes.

A key difference is that type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition, in which the insulin-making cells in the pancreas stop producing the hormone for an unknown reason.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is may develop over the course of many years and it’s commonly related to lifestyle factors, including physical actiity and eating habits.

You can develop either type of diabetes at any age. While T2D was often viewed as an adult form of the disease and only kids were diagnosed with T1D, the medical community now knows that adults can be diagnosed with T1D and children can be diagnosed with T2D.

Both involve how insulin is made or used in the body, which can lead to higher glucose levels and a need for daily management in order to help prevent long-term diabetes complications.

The body’s immune system is responsible for fighting off foreign invaders, such as harmful viruses and bacteria. It’s our own personal defense army.

But the immune system may get confused for many reasons. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakes the body’s healthy cells for foreign ones and tries to fight them. In this case, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, preventing the body from producing needed insulin.

Researchers have yet to establish the mechanisms behind this autoimmune response. They have theorized that it may be related to genetic and environmental factors, such as chronic exposure to viruses.

Research into autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, is ongoing. Diet and lifestyle habits are not directly linked to type 1 diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. Their bodies still produce insulin, but they are unable to use it effectively.

Researchers aren’t sure why some people become insulin resistant and others don’t. Several lifestyle factors seem to contribute, including being inactive and being over the recommended weight for your age and height. Other genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.

When you develop type 2 diabetes, your pancreas will try to compensate by producing more insulin. Because your body is unable to effectively use insulin, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream, and your blood sugar levels start increasing over time.

Both types of diabetes are chronic diseases that affect the way your body regulates blood sugar or glucose. Glucose is the fuel that feeds your body’s cells, but to enter your cells it needs a key. Insulin is that key.

People with type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin. You can think of it as not having a key.

People with type 2 diabetes don’t respond to insulin as well as they should and, later in the disease, often don’t make enough insulin. You can think of it as having a broken key.

Both types of diabetes can lead to chronically high blood sugar levels that increase the chance of diabetes complications.

People with a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes have a higher chance of developing the condition.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes may include:

  • prediabetes, or slightly elevated blood sugar levels
  • excess weight or obesity
  • excess of belly fat
  • physical inactivity (sedentary life)
  • age (over 45)
  • history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
  • birthing a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
  • family history of type 2 diabetes
  • polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Because of many structural and systemic inequities that contribute to healthcare disparities, diabetes type 2 may be more common among Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native communities.

The most common symptoms of undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes may include:

  • extreme thirst
  • frequent urination
  • fruity odor on the breath

Although many of the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar, they may present in different ways.

Many people with type 2 diabetes may not have symptoms for many years, and their symptoms often develop slowly over a long period of time. Some people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all and don’t discover they have the condition until complications arise.

The symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly, typically over the course of several weeks. This can become a medical emergency quickly, requiring immediate care.

Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented.

It may be possible to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes, such as:

  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • working with a doctor to develop a healthy weight loss plan, if you have overweight
  • increasing your activity levels
  • eating a balanced diet and reducing your intake of sugary foods or overly processed foods

Even if you can’t prevent the condition, careful monitoring can restore your blood sugar levels and prevent the development of severe complications.

While there are similarities in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there are also key differences.

You can develop either type at any age, and with T1D you must take insulin each day. Type 2 diabetes may be managed with lifestyle measures or medications, as well as possibly insulin therapy.

Your healthcare team can help you best understand the differences in diabetes types and what you may need to help you manage your condition.