The main difference is insulin. With Type 1 diabetes, your body makes no insulin at all. With Type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.

Both types make blood sugar too high, but they happen for different reasons and need different care. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2, while Type 1 affects about 5-10%.

How Type 1 Diabetes Works

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease. Your body’s defense system attacks the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. These cells get destroyed, so you can’t make any insulin.

Most people get Type 1 as kids or young adults, but it can happen at any age. Symptoms often appear quickly. You might notice:

• Going to the bathroom a lot
• Feeling very thirsty
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling tired all the time

Type 1 cannot be prevented. People with Type 1 must take insulin every day to stay alive.

How Type 2 Diabetes Works

Type 2 develops slowly over many years. Your body still makes some insulin, but your cells don’t respond to it well. This is called insulin resistance. Your pancreas works harder to make more insulin, but eventually it can’t keep up.

Type 2 often affects adults over 40, but more young people are getting it now. Many people don’t know they have it because symptoms come on slowly.

Risk factors include being overweight, not exercising, and having family history. Unlike Type 1, you can often prevent or delay Type 2 with healthy eating, exercise, and weight management.

Treatment Differences

Type 1 always requires insulin shots or an insulin pump. There’s no other way to treat it.

Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes, pills, and sometimes insulin. Your doctor creates a plan for diabetes management based on your needs. 

Final Thoughts

Both types are serious, but they’re managed differently. If you have symptoms or risk factors, talk to our doctor. Early testing and proper care help prevent complications.