“Diabetes” is often used as an umbrella term for the disease, but there are different types, each with unique aspects. How do you tell them apart? Whether you’ve been living with type 1 diabetes for a long time, are newly diagnosed, or are caring for a child with type 1 diabetes, it can be hard to keep straight how type 1 diabetes is different from type 2 diabetes, the most common type. Although there are important and basic differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there is some overlap too.

Read on to learn four similarities and three differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes so that you can feel more confident in knowing what to expect from diabetes in general and type 1 specifically.

4 Similarities of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

There are several similarities between type 1 and 2 diabetes. Below are four things the two conditions have in common.

1. Symptoms of Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Overlap

There is a lot of overlap between symptoms of type 1 diabetes and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, including:

• Extreme tiredness
• Frequent urination
• Frequent thirst
• Frequent feelings of hunger, even when you’re eating more than usual
• Blurred vision
• Bruises or cuts that take a long time to heal

Although many diabetes symptoms overlap, some symptoms are more unique to each type. For example, pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet or hands are a common symptom of type 2 diabetes, whereas weight loss — even when eating more than usual — is more common in type 1 diabetes.

The overlap in symptoms can make it hard to tell type 1 and type 2 apart at the surface level. But because type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are treated differently, an accurate diagnosis of the type of diabetes is very important. This usually requires lab tests, such as an antibody test and sometimes a C-peptide test. The pancreas produces C-peptide in equal amounts to insulin. Therefore, a C-peptide test can indicate how much insulin the body is producing.

2. Monitoring Blood Sugar Is Important for All Diabetes Management

Monitoring blood glucose (sugar) levels is critical for people with diabetes, regardless of the type. Blood sugar monitors give you important information about what your body needs to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Keeping an eye on blood sugar levels is especially important for people with type 1 diabetes and people who take insulin. Blood sugar levels give you important signals, such as:

• When and what to eat
• When to take insulin and how much
• When it may be necessary to refrain from physical activity

For example, having blood sugar levels below the healthy range indicates hypoglycemia. In such cases, consuming a sugary snack can help quickly raise blood sugar levels to normal.

How often you check your blood sugar may depend on the type of diabetes you have as well as other factors like what diabetes medications you’re on. Taking insulin may require more frequent blood sugar checks to make sure the insulin is helping the body keep a good blood sugar level.

If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you can check your blood sugar without finger sticks. These devices will also alert you if your blood sugar spikes or drops.

3. All Types of Diabetes Can Lead to Complications

Over time, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can affect major organs in the body and increase the risk of several health conditions, some of which can be serious and even life-threatening.

Complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include:

• Cardiovascular (heart) disease
• Kidney damage, including chronic kidney disease
• Oral health problems, such as gum disease
• Skin conditions
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Eye problems, including vision loss
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (though this is rare in type 2 diabetes)
• Stroke
• Hearing problems

Managing your diabetes properly and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of developing these complications. It’s also important to know the warning signs of these conditions so that you can get help to prevent more serious complications and get treatment as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor about signs to watch out for and how to prevent or reduce the risk of complications.

4. Managing Diet Is Important for All Diabetes Types

For both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, management involves being careful about what you eat since what you eat affects your blood sugar. Choosing diabetes-friendly foods can help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

For example, one type 1 diabetes diet tip is to focus on fiber-rich carbohydrates since fiber can help control blood sugar and prevent blood sugar spikes. Adequate intake of fiber each day is important for people with any type of diabetes.

Other diabetes diet tips from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) include the following:

• Make sure your carbs are high-quality carbs, such as whole grains.
• Limit added sugar.
• Choose healthy fats.
• Opt for lean protein and/or plant-based protein.
• Make nonstarchy veggies the star of your plate.
• Eat fewer processed foods.

3 Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

While type 1 and 2 diabetes share similarities like several symptoms and complications, there are some key differences between the conditions. Below are three important differences to know.

1. Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Have Different Causes

One of the main differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is what causes each type.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body destroys its own beta cells — cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This makes type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disease. The exact cause of the autoimmune reaction is unknown, but scientists think it might be triggered by genetic and environmental factors.

Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by insulin resistance. Unlike in type 1 diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce insulin, individuals with type 2 diabetes initially make sufficient insulin. However, their body cells don’t respond effectively to it. As a result, the body attempts to produce more insulin to manage high blood sugar levels. Over time, the insulin-producing cells wear out and eventually cannot produce enough insulin.

Heavier weight can cause insulin resistance, especially when most of the weight is in the belly area. Genes and family history may also play a role in type 2 diabetes, including having a genetic tendency toward a higher body weight.

2. Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Usually Develop at Different Ages

Another difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes is at what point in life they tend to develop. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in childhood or adolescence, whereas type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adulthood, often after 40 years old.

However, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children and young adults. Recent data show that the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents almost doubled from 2002-2003 to 2017-2018. Some groups of youth are more affected than others. Data from 2001-2009 and 2009-2017 showed that the largest increase in youth-onset type 2 diabetes occurred among Black youth. There was also a significant increase among American Indian and Asian/Pacific Islander youth but to a lesser degree.

Researchers noted two main factors behind the rise of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents: the global obesity epidemic and social determinants of health.

Having a higher body weight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes early on in life. Furthermore, higher rates of diabetes and heavier weight among women of reproductive age are risk factors for childhood type 2 diabetes.

In addition to the effects of heavier weight, research has shown the following social factors affect the development and progression of type 2 diabetes:

• Education
• Income
• Where one lives (e.g., housing, neighborhood)
• Access to healthy food and health care

3. Treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Is Different

Although the goal of treatment is the same for type 1 and type 2 diabetes — to keep healthy blood sugar levels — there is an important difference in the way that they are treated.

Type 1 diabetes treatment involves taking insulin every day, through an insulin pump or insulin injections. Insulin therapy is absolutely necessary for people with type 1 diabetes since their pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or makes none at all. Lifestyle factors like physical activity and healthy diet are important in type 1 diabetes management too.

On the other hand, insulin is not necessary for everyone with type 2 diabetes. In some cases, people can manage their type 2 diabetes solely through lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and being physically active. Many people with type 2 diabetes take medications to manage their condition. Insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes may be needed if other treatments and lifestyle habits aren’t enough to control blood sugar.

For both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, regular blood sugar checks help you and your doctor know how well your treatment and management plans are working.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones, more than 3,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with type 1 diabetes.

Have you wondered what makes type 1 diabetes different from type 2? What similarities or differences with type 2 stand out to you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.