Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two distinct forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Without insulin, sugar cannot enter the body’s cells and is instead left in the bloodstream. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to survive. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop in adulthood.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. This is usually due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes is generally associated with obesity and can often be managed with a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications. It is the most common form of diabetes, with majority of cases occurring in adults.