There are important differences between type 1 diabetes (~5% of persons) and type 2 diabetes (90-95% of persons). Other types, such as unusual genetic forms of diabetes, also exist. Diagnosing the type of diabetes is important for appropriate medical treatment.
| Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | |
| Formerly known as… | “Juvenile Onset” or “Insulin Dependent” Diabetes | “Adult Onset” or “Noninsulin Dependent” Diabetes |
| Who is diagnosed? |
Children and teens, usually with healthy body weight, but also diagnosed in adults. These individuals may be the only ones in their family with the disease. |
Usually diagnosed in adults who are overweight or obese but also diagnosed in children. These individuals often have relatives with diabetes. |
| What causes it? | The individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreas. The pancreas can no longer produce insulin, a hormone needed for controlling blood glucose. | These individuals can still produce insulin but the body becomes resistant to its effects. Over time, the pancreas eventually stops producing insulin. |
| How is it detected? |
The same diagnostic criteria are used for both types of diabetes. However, blood tests (i.e. autoantibody tests) may help clarify whether a patient has type 1 versus type 2 diabetes. |
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| How is it treated? | Patients with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin. | Some patients with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by reducing their weight and changing their diet. Most others are treated with pills, injectable medicines, or insulin. |
