What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

[KhaleelAhmedHM]

[ranj]

Generally, people with diabetes either have a total lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or they have too little insulin or cannot use insulin effectively (type 2 diabetes).

Major differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

- Symptoms usually start in childhood or young adulthood.

- Episodes of low blood sugar level are common.

- It cannot be prevented.

- People often seek medical help because they are seriously ill from sudden symptoms of high blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes

- The person may not have symptoms before diagnosis. Usually the disease is discovered in adulthood, but an increasing number of children are being diagnosed with the disease.

- There are no episodes of low blood sugar level, unless the person is taking insulin or certain oral diabetes medicines.

- It can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating sensibly, and exercising regularly.