Almost 40 million Americans have diabetes, but what does it mean to have one type versus the other? Understanding how type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes develops – and how it can be treated – is key to managing it long-term.
“There are several forms of diabetes, but the most common are called type 1 and type 2,” said Avera clinical dietitian Morgan Willard MS, RD, LN, Avera Care Coordination. Type 2 is much more common; only 5% of diabetes patients have type 1.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes affects your ability to convert food into energy. Your body breaks down most of your food into sugar and then releases it into your bloodstream. Our bodies make a hormone called insulin, and it helps absorb blood sugar. The type of diabetes indicates how your body is having trouble making or using insulin the way it should.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 is thought to be an autoimmune reaction, where your body mistakenly attacks beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells make insulin, which helps blood sugar get into your cells. When beta cells can't make insulin the blood sugar builds up in your bloodstream. Key information about type 1:
- Develops suddenly
- Can go from mild to severe in just a few weeks
- Diet and lifestyle habits don’t cause type 1
- Likely diagnosed in childhood or adolescence
- Possible to develop at any age
- Diet and limiting or avoiding certain foods can help manage blood sugars
- You’ll need to take insulin to manage blood sugars
“The care for patients with type 1 can be more complex, in terms of medication and diet regimens,” Willard said. “The good news is with dedication and help from your care team, people can live long, fulfilling lives even if they have it.”
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t use insulin well. This is also called insulin resistance. When this happens your body makes more insulin to get your body to respond. Over time your pancreas can’t keep up and this can lead to higher blood sugars. This is usually diagnosed in adults but is becoming more common in children and teens. Key information about type 2:
- Develops gradually, sometimes over many years
- People may not know they have it for some time
- Symptoms start small and can progress slowly
- Sometimes not found until complications develop
- Usually found in later adulthood
- Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage or reverse type 2
- Your doctor may prescribe oral or injectable medications or insulin
Genetics and lifestyle choices can cause type 2 diabetes. “Eating an unhealthy diet, not getting enough exercise, and being overweight all raise your risk,” said Willard. She explained that while the illnesses isn’t “cured”, blood glucose levels can return to a normal range.
Weight loss is a key factor in overcoming type 2 and its threats.
Other Types of Diabetes
Prediabetes means your blood sugars are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2. Lifestyle and diet changes can reverse prediabetes.
Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women and usually goes away after the baby is born. It’s important to note because it increases your risk of type 2 later in life.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
The most common symptoms that come with diabetes are:
- Extreme thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination and fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Mood changes or irritability
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Slow-healing cuts
- More frequent infections (including vaginal infections for women)
“I would consider catching someone in the prediabetes stage to be lucky. It’s an important time for that person to take control of their health,” Willard said. She said many who work with their health care provider can stop the condition before it’s too late.
Possible Complications of Diabetes
The impact is the same for all types of diabetes, as more and more glucose, or blood sugar, builds up in your blood.
With uncontrolled high blood sugars, you’ll continue to experience some of the symptoms that help diagnose the chronic disease.
Over time, high blood sugars will create diabetic complications that can lead to a wide range of health problems, including damaged organs and tissues, including:
- Kidneys
- Eyes
- Heart
- Brain
- Large veins and arteries
- Nerves in various parts of the body
“Untreated diabetes is a life-threatening condition,” said Willard.
One way your provider will manage blood sugar levels is through your A1C. This test measures your average estimated blood sugar over several months. Diet and lifestyle can also help manage blood sugars for all types of diabetes along with medication.
Diabetes is considered a chronic condition. Learn more about diabetes and how to manage it.
