Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks pancreatic beta cells. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body cannot use insulin effectively. The two types differ in symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly store or use glucose (sugar) and, as a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of reaching the cells.
Type 1 diabetes often appears in children or adolescents. This condition occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults but can occur in children. It results from the body’s inability to effectively use insulin. Lifestyle factors contribute to the development of this condition.
Both types can cause complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, vision loss, and nerve issues. This article explores the similarities and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A person with diabetes might experience symptoms due to insufficiently regulated blood sugar.
OtherTrusted Source aspects of metabolic syndrome can also occur alongside type 2 diabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
The chart below outlines the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
| Type 1 | Type 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | The following symptoms may develop over several weeks: • increased thirst and urination • increased hunger • blurry vision • tiredness and fatigue • numbness in hands and feet • sores that take a long time to heal • unexplained weight loss |
The following symptoms may develop over several years: • increased thirst and urination • increased hunger • blurry vision • tiredness and fatigue • numbness in hands or feet • sores that take a long time to heal • unexplained weight loss |
Hyperglycemia
If a person’s blood sugar is too high, they may experience the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, including frequent urination and increased thirst.
This can lead to ketoacidosis, a potentially life threatening condition that needs urgent medical attention. It is more common in people with type 1 diabetes than in those with type 2.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis includeTrusted Source:
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are too low. Symptoms typically appear when a person’s blood sugar falls below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Early symptoms include:
- sweating, chills, and a pale face
- a shaky, nervous, or anxious feeling
- fast heart rate
- dizziness and lightheadedness
- nausea
- weakness and tiredness
- headaches
- tingling
A person should consume a food or drink that is high in glucose to relieve the symptoms and prevent the problem from worsening. Ideally, they should follow that with protein-rich food.
Without treatment, a person may experience:
Hypoglycemia can be life threatening and needs immediate medical attention.
A person with diabetes should carry a medical ID so that others will know what to do if a problem occurs.
Type 1 diabetes often develops suddenly and is not preventable. It is often hereditary.
In contrast, type 2 diabetes may show no early symptoms, but routine blood tests can detect it.
People with obesity or risk factors for type 2 diabetes should regularly check their glucose levels to monitor for prediabetes or diabetes.
Healthcare professionals may use the following tests to diagnose diabetes:
- A1C test: This is a measurement of average blood glucose over 2 to 3 months.
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: This test measures glucose levels after 8+ hours of fasting.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test assesses glucose processing before and after a person drinks a sugary solution.
- Random plasma glucose (RPG) test: This test can measure glucose at any time without fasting. Doctors use this test only when a person has symptoms of hyperglycemia or hyperglycemic crisis.
Depending on the results, the doctor may diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.
The following table shows which results indicateTrusted Source diabetes:
| A1C (%) | FPG (mg/dL) |
OGTT (mg/dL after 2 hours) |
RPG (mg/dL) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diabetes | 6.5% or more | 126 or more | 200 or more | 200 or more |
| Prediabetes | 5.7% to 6.4% | 100 to 125 | 140 to 199 | no value for prediabetes |
| Normal level | less than 5.7% | less than 100 | less than 140 | less than 200 |
People who may be more at risk of diabetes, such as those with a family history of the condition, should ask a doctor about regular screening.
People can check their blood glucose levels at home with meters that are available to buy online or in a pharmacy.
A person without known diabetes who has concerns about levels they have seen when using a home meter should visit their doctor for evaluation.
Without adequate treatment and management, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to long-term complications such as:
- cardiovascular disease, including a risk of heart attack and stroke
- kidney disease and kidney failure
- eye problems and vision loss
- nerve damage
- high blood pressure
- problems with wound healing
- ketoacidosis
