What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes differ primarily in their underlying causes and onset patterns. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, typically developing in childhood or adolescence. This accounts for about 5-10% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin effectively, usually developing in adults over 45. It represents 90-95% of diabetes cases and is strongly linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and genetics. Type 1 requires immediate insulin therapy for survival, while type 2 can often be managed initially through diet, exercise, and oral medications before insulin becomes necessary.

Related Questions

• Can type 2 diabetes turn into type 1 diabetes?

• What are the early warning signs of type 1 diabetes?

• Is type 2 diabetes reversible with diet and exercise?

• How is diabetes diagnosed and what tests are used?

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