Type 1 diabetes
The immune system damages the cells that make insulin, so the body makes little or none. It can start at any age but is most often diagnosed in children and young adults. Symptoms usually appear over weeks: thirst, passing a lot of urine, weight loss and tiredness. Insulin is needed from the start.
Type 2 diabetes
The body does not respond well to insulin (insulin resistance), and over time the pancreas cannot keep up. It is far more common and develops slowly, often without symptoms for years. It is linked to family history, extra weight and inactivity, and is now seen more often in young people in India.
| Type 1 | Type 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Main cause | Autoimmune loss of insulin-making cells | Insulin resistance plus falling insulin |
| Usual onset | Often childhood or young adulthood, fairly sudden | Usually adulthood, gradual |
| Treatment | Insulin always | Lifestyle, tablets, sometimes insulin and other injections |
Other types
- LADA: a slow-onset autoimmune diabetes in adults that can look like type 2.
- MODY: a rare inherited form that starts young and runs in families.
- Diabetes in pregnancy, or caused by pancreatic disease or steroid medicines.
When the type is unclear, tests such as C-peptide and diabetes antibodies help.
Why the type matters
The treatments differ. Someone with type 1 diabetes must never stop insulin, even when unwell or not eating.
When to see a specialist
Consider an endocrinology opinion if you were diagnosed young or are slim, have ketones in urine, have a strong family history, are not responding to tablets, or are unsure of your type.
This guide is general information and is not a substitute for a consultation.