What is Diabetes? Type 1 vs Type 2
When people hear the word diabetes, they often think it is one disease. But diabetes has several forms, and the two major types—Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes—are very different.
Both can cause blood sugar (glucose) levels to become too high, but why this happens is different.
What Does Insulin Do?
To understand diabetes, it helps to understand insulin.
When we eat, some of the food we consume is broken down into glucose. Glucose enters the bloodstream and provides energy for our cells.
The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. Think of insulin like a key—it helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy.
When insulin is missing or does not work effectively, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
The immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin.
People with Type 1 diabetes therefore need insulin to live.
Important facts about Type 1 diabetes:
It is an autoimmune disease.
The pancreas produces little or no insulin.
People with Type 1 must take insulin every day.
It can develop in children, teenagers, or adults.
It is not caused by eating too much sugar, being overweight, or poor lifestyle choices.
At this time, there is no established lifestyle cure for Type 1 diabetes.
People living with Type 1 diabetes manage their glucose with insulin, nutrition, physical activity, glucose monitoring and other diabetes technology and education.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is primarily a metabolic disease.
In Type 2 diabetes, the body may still produce insulin, especially early in the disease, but the cells do not respond to insulin as effectively. This is called insulin resistance.
The pancreas tries to compensate by producing more insulin. Over time, however, the insulin-producing beta cells may not be able to keep up with the body’s needs.
Blood glucose then rises.
Important facts about Type 2 diabetes:
Insulin resistance is a major feature.
The body usually still produces insulin, particularly early in the disease.
Genetics, age, body-fat distribution, physical activity, sleep and other metabolic factors can influence risk.
Type 2 diabetes can occur in adults and younger people.
Treatment may include nutrition changes, physical activity, weight management when appropriate, medications and sometimes insulin.
For some people, significant and sustained lifestyle changes and weight loss can lead to Type 2 diabetes remission.
Remission does not mean the disease never existed. It means blood glucose has returned below the diabetes range for a sustained period without glucose-lowering medication. Continued follow-up remains important.
The Simplest Way to Remember the Difference
TYPE 1:
The body has lost its ability to make enough insulin because the immune system has attacked the insulin-producing cells.
TYPE 2:
The body usually still makes insulin, but it does not respond to insulin effectively, and insulin production may decline over time.
Both conditions are serious, but both can be managed successfully.
Knowledge Is Power
Understanding what type of diabetes a person has—and what is happening inside the body—is an important first step toward effective management.
Diabetes does not have to be confusing.
That is the goal of Diabetes Simplified: taking complicated health information and making it easier to understand and use in everyday life.
Diabetes Simplified
Making diabetes easier to understand, one step at a time.
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This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Talk with your healthcare professional about your personal diabetes treatment plan.