Diabetes: Differences Between Type 1 and 2
Topic Overview
In general, people with diabetes either have a total lack
of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or they have too little insulin or
cannot use insulin effectively (type 2 diabetes).
- Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile-onset
or insulin-dependent diabetes), accounts for 5% to 10% of all people with
diabetes.1 In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune
system destroys the cells that release
insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production
from the body. Without insulin, cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose), which they
need to produce energy.
- Type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset or
non–insulin-dependent diabetes) can develop at any age, but most commonly
becomes apparent during adulthood. But the incidence of type 2 diabetes in
children is rising. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the vast majority of people
with diabetes—90% to 95%. In contrast to type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance is
the main characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance refers to the
body's inability to respond properly to insulin. Resistance develops because of
many factors, including genetics, obesity, increasing age, and having high
blood sugar for a long time.
How are these diseases different?
Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
| Type 1 diabetes |
Type 2 diabetes |
| Symptoms usually start in childhood or young
adulthood. People often seek medical help because they are seriously ill from
sudden symptoms of high blood sugar. |
The person may not have symptoms before diagnosis.
Usually the disease is discovered in adulthood, but an increasing number of
children are being diagnosed with the disease. |
| Episodes of low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia)
are common. |
There are no episodes of low blood sugar level,
unless the person is taking insulin or certain oral diabetes medicines. |
| It cannot be prevented. |
It can be prevented or delayed with a healthy
lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating sensibly, and
exercising regularly. |
How are they alike?
Both types of diabetes greatly
increase a person's risk for a range of serious complications. Although
monitoring and management of the disease can prevent complications, diabetes
remains the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure. It also continues to
be a critical risk factor for heart disease,
stroke, and foot or leg amputations.
References
Citations
-
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). National Diabetes Fact Sheet 2007. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2007.pdf.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology |
|
Last Revised
|
September 14, 2010 |
Last Revised:
September 14, 2010
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). National Diabetes Fact Sheet 2007. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2007.pdf.
