Did you know? More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 98 million more have prediabetes. That is about 136 million people. Reports also say someone in the US is newly diagnosed every 21 seconds. This guide breaks down type 1 vs. type 2 diabetes so you know how they differ.
November is American Diabetes Month. This month is all about raising awareness, sharing facts, and supporting people living with the disease. Many people still mix up the types of diabetes. This post explains how Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differ.
Why Diabetes Awareness Is Important
Diabetes can stay quiet for years. A recent study says about 8 in 10 US adults with prediabetes do not know they have it. Over time, high blood sugar can harm the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart and blood vessels. Diabetes is the No. 1 cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness in the US.
The good news is that early action works. In high-risk people, losing about 7% of body weight and doing 150 minutes of brisk activity a week can cut the chance of type 2 diabetes by more than half.
Explore the Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is specifically classified into four types: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes, and Prediabetes.
Type 1 diabetes
In this kind of diabetes, the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. It makes up about 5% to 10% of cases. It is often found in children and young adults, but it can start at any age. People with type 1 need insulin every day to live.
Type 2 diabetes
In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin well. It makes up about 90% to 95% of cases. It builds up over years, so many people have no clear symptoms at first.
Gestational diabetes
This type of diabetes appears during pregnancy, usually in the second half. It affects roughly 5% to 9% of pregnancies. It may go away after birth, but about 50% of women who had it later develop type 2.
Prediabetes
Blood sugar is higher than normal but below the diabetes range. Recent studies say more than 2 in 5 US adults have it. It can be reversed with lifestyle changes.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: The Core Differences
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes raise blood sugar. They differ in cause, speed, and treatment.
| Feature | Type 1 | Type 2 |
| Cause | Autoimmune attack on insulin-making cells | Insulin resistance, then falling insulin output |
| Share of US cases | About 5% to 10% | About 90% to 95% |
| Typical age at diagnosis | Often childhood or young adulthood; any age possible | Usually adults; rising in younger people |
| Onset | Fast: weeks to months | Slow: often years |
| Insulin in the body | Little or none | Made, but not used well |
| Early symptoms | Sudden thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue; DKA is often the first sign | Often none or mild: thirst, fatigue, blurry vision |
| Main risk factors | Family history, genes | Overweight, inactivity, age 45+, family history |
| Prevention | No known way | Often prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes |
| Insulin needed? | Always | Sometimes, as the disease advances |
| Main treatment | Insulin, glucose monitoring, carb counting | Lifestyle changes, medicines, sometimes insulin |
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Both types of diabetes use the same blood sugar thresholds.
- A1C test: 6.5% or higher
- Fasting plasma glucose: 126 mg/dL or higher (no food for at least 8 hours)
- Random plasma glucose: 200 mg/dL or higher, with classic symptoms
- Oral glucose tolerance test: 200 mg/dL or higher after 2 hours
Without clear symptoms, a doctor will usually confirm the result with a second test. Prediabetes starts at an A1C of 5.7%. If type 1 is suspected, a blood test for autoantibodies can help.
Most Effective Ways to Treat Diabetes
Diabetes treatment depends on the type. Type 1 has no cure, and type 2 can sometimes go into remission, but both can be managed well. The goal is to keep blood sugar in a safe range and prevent complications. Care plans are personal, so work with your doctor. A primary care team can help you build and adjust your plan.
Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Insulin therapy: Insulin is lifelong. It is given by injections or a pump as background doses plus mealtime doses.
Blood sugar monitoring: A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) checks glucose every few minutes. Paired with a pump, it can cut low blood sugar episodes.
Carbohydrate counting: You match insulin to the grams of carbs in a meal. A 1:10 ratio means 1 unit of insulin for every 10 grams of carbs.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Lifestyle changes: Aim for 7% weight loss, at least 150 minutes of activity a week, and a healthy diet.
Oral medications: Metformin is the usual first choice because it works and costs little.
Injectable non-insulin medications: GLP-1 drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, lower blood sugar and help with weight.
Insulin or combination therapy: Insulin is added when other treatments fall short.
Gestational Diabetes Treatment
Diet and exercise: Healthy meals and daily movement are the first step.
Blood sugar tracking and medication: Mothers check glucose daily. Some need insulin or other medicine. After birth, get tested at 6 to 12 weeks, then every 1 to 3 years.
Emergency Complications
High blood sugar, DKA, and HHS: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can cause nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and fruity breath. It is often the first sign of type 1. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) is more common in type 2 and involves very high glucose, often 600 mg/dL or more. Both need emergency care.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Below 70 mg/dL, people may feel shaky, sweaty, hungry, or confused. Use the 15-15 rule: take 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, then recheck in 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both raise blood sugar, but they start differently and need different care. Type 1 is autoimmune and always needs insulin. Type 2 grows from insulin resistance and may respond to lifestyle changes and medicine. Gestational diabetes and prediabetes are warning signs worth acting on. This American Diabetes Month, learn your risk and share what you learned with someone you care about.
If you have questions about your blood sugar or diabetes risk, you can request an appointment with SAAK Health for chronic condition care at our Brookfield family practice. If you notice a foot sore or wound that is slow to heal, our wound care clinic can help.
FAQs
Can type 1 diabetes turn into type 2?No. They have different causes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition. Type 2 is linked to insulin resistance.
Can diabetes be reversed?Prediabetes can often be reversed with a lifestyle change program, including healthy eating and regular activity. Type 2 can go into remission in some people, often after major weight loss. Type 1 cannot be reversed.
What are the early signs of diabetes?Common signs are frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, blurry vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Many people with type 2 have no signs at first. If you notice these signs, request an appointment to get your blood sugar checked.
Which type is more serious?Both types of diabetes can cause serious complications if blood sugar stays high. Type 1 always needs insulin and carries a higher risk of DKA. Type 2 is more common and is often found late.
What is a normal A1C?Below 5.7% is normal. From 5.7% to 6.4% is prediabetes. At 6.5% or higher, it is diabetes. Your primary care provider can order an A1C test.
Related Reading from SAAK Health
For more background on the types of diabetes, see the CDC’s Diabetes Basics page.