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Type 1 and 2 diabetes: What’s the difference?
November 11, 2024
By The Sun Life team
Can you tell the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Here’s what you need to know.
Reviewed by Dr. Josep Iglesies-Grau
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both characterized by high blood sugar levels. They share some similarities, but their causes, symptoms and treatments differ greatly.
Here are the main differences between the two types of diabetes.
| Key elements | Type 1 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| Causes | The cells of the pancreas can no longer produce insulin. | The body's cells have developed resistance to insulin and your body is not able to produce enough to perform the same function. |
| Risk factors | We don’t yet know what causes type 1 diabetes. Family history may slightly increase the risk, as a number of genes are associated with type 1 diabetes. |
|
| Symptoms | Type 1 symptoms appear quickly:
|
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar but appear more slowly. You may not even notice them. |
| Treatment | You treat type 1 diabetes by taking insulin. You count the carbs you eat and drink and try to balance them with doses of insulin. |
Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be treated without insulin or other medications to help lower blood sugar levels. Management of type 2 diabetes includes: aiming to be as active as possible, eating a healthy diet and having regular medical check-ups. |
| Cure and prevention | There is currently no cure for type 1, but research continues. | Type 2 cannot be cured, but there is evidence that it can be prevented and even put into remission. |
Source: diabetes.org.uk
TYPE 1: What is type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that your body’s defence system attacks its own cells.
With diabetes, the pancreas is targeted. The pancreas produces insulin, an essential hormone that allows sugar to enter cells to provide energy.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
The cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. It’s not caused by consuming too much sugar, and it can’t be prevented.
According to Diabetes Québec, type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes comes with a number of symptoms. Some appear quickly, such as unusual thirst or tingling and numbness in the hands or feet.
Most people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed during childhood or early adulthood, but the disease can appear at any age.
The following are common symptoms of type 1 diabetes:
- Unusual thirst
- Need to urinate frequently
- Weight changes (loss or gain)
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Blurred vision
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Cuts and bruises that heal slowly
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe hyperglycemia that occurs when glucose builds up in the blood. It requires urgent medical attention.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Doing so could help limit the development and more severe effects of the disease.
How is type 1 diabetes managed?
Type 1 diabetes requires daily management. There is no cure, but you can live a full and healthy life. Here are a few key strategies for managing the disease:
- Insulin injections: People with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin several times a day. The dose and timing vary.
- Monitoring sugar levels: This can be done with a blood glucose monitor, a small device that measures sugar levels from a drop of blood.
- Eating well: Eating meals and snacks regularly helps maintain appropriate sugar levels.
- Physical activity: It improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of complications.
Read more: Your diabetes support hub at Sun Life
TYPE 2: What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. The body's cells develop resistance to insulin, and your body is not able to produce enough insulin to perform its normal function of allowing glucose to enter the cells.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Insulin resistance is the mechanism leading to type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter our cells to provide energy. When cells don't respond well to insulin, sugar accumulates in the blood.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
The health effects of type 2 diabetes are very similar to those of type 1 diabetes. Its symptoms are much the same.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are felt more slowly. People often have the disease but don’t recognize the symptoms.
If left unmanaged, the excessive amount of sugar in the blood can possibly cause problems and health complications.
How is type 2 diabetes managed?
You can live a long life by keeping your blood sugar within the target range set by your doctor.
You can manage type 2 diabetes by:
- eating healthy foods,
- engaging in regular physical activity,
- monitoring your blood sugar levels,
- aiming for a healthy body weight,
- trying to reduce your stress.
Can diabetes be prevented?
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented yet.
However, the risk of type 2 diabetes can be decreased by eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular vigorous physical activity and reducing stress.
This article is meant to provide general information only. It’s not professional medical advice, or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
