The Difference Between
Type 1 and Type 2
Diabetes
Type 1
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, also known as type 1 diabetes, occurs
when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the beta
cells of the pancreas 1 . No, or very little, insulin is released into
the body. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of
being used as energy.
About five to ten percent of diabetics have type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes generally occurs in childhood or adolescence,
but it can develop in adulthood too.
Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Meal planning
helps with maintaining blood sugar at the optimum levels.
Type 1 diabetes also
includes latent autoimmune
diabetes in adults (LADA),
the term used to describe
the small number of people
with apparent type 2
diabetes who appear to
have immune-mediated loss
of pancreatic beta cells.
Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, also known as type 2 diabetes,
ensues when the body cannot properly use the insulin that is
released (called insulin insensitivity) or does not make enough
insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of
being used as energy. About ninety percent of diabetics have
type 2 diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes occurs more often
in adults, children can be affected as well.
Depending on the severity of type 2 diabetes, it may be
managed through physical activity and meal planning, or it may
also require medications and/or insulin to control blood sugar
levels more effectively, as outlined elsewhere in this booklet.
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