How is T1D different from other diabetes types?
How is T1D different from other diabetes types?
Type 1 diabetes is not the same as type 2 diabetes or other types, though they can mirror each other in many ways — from the symptoms to insulin treatment and daily blood sugar checks to certain diabetes complications that may develop over time. There are a handful of diabetes types, but the main types are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the key differences between T1D and T2D, in particular:
| Type 1 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes | |
|---|---|---|
| Age of onset | any age | any age, but more risk with aging |
| Symptoms | commonly appear suddenly, from days to weeks | may develop more gradually |
| Tied to lifestyle | No | Yes, but not solely |
| Linked to genetics | Yes | Yes |
| Can be prevented | No | Yes |
| Requires insulin | Yes | Not always |
| Managed without other meds | No | Yes |
| Longterm complications | eyes, heart, kidneys, nerve damage, and more | eyes, heart, kidneys, nerve damage, and more |
| Can be reversed | No | Yes |
Experts historically viewed T1D as “juvenile diabetes” because it most often affected children. It is an outdated term and doesn’t reflect the reality that T1D can occur at any age. Just because someone is an adult displaying diabetes symptoms does not mean they have T2D.For people with type 2 diabetes, their body stops responding and using insulin as well as it should to move glucose from the blood into the cells despite having adequate levels of the hormone. Eventually, their bodies may stop making adequate insulin entirely. Type 1 diabetes develops very quickly, and symptoms are obvious. For people with type 2 diabetes, the condition can develop over many years. A person with type 2 diabetes may not know they have it until they have a complication. Another type of diabetes called Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is sometimes referred to as type 1.5 diabetes. People may receive a misdiagnosis of type 1 diabetes instead of LADA, which may develop more gradually.A qualified medical professional can help correctly diagnose the type of diabetes, along with your input if you feel that you may be experiencing T1D or LADA.