How to diagnose type 1 diabetes vs type 2

Distinguishing Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

While the vast majority of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients with diabetes have type 2, type 1 diabetes and its variants do occur in AI/AN patients, particularly those of mixed heritage. Type 1 diabetes must be considered in patients of any age or weight who present with a new onset of diabetes and an unclear clinical picture. This is especially true in children, even if they are overweight.

Although no test can distinguish definitively between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, several laboratory studies may be helpful when the diagnosis is not clinically clear. Providers should consider obtaining consultation if they are unfamiliar with the use of these tests or how to make a diagnosis in a complex patient.

There are important differences between type 1 diabetes (~5% of persons) and type 2 diabetes (90-95% of persons). Other types, such as unusual genetic forms of diabetes, also exist. Diagnosing the type of diabetes is important for appropriate medical treatment.

  Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
Formerly known as… “Juvenile Onset” or “Insulin Dependent” Diabetes “Adult Onset” or “Noninsulin Dependent” Diabetes
Who is diagnosed?

Children and teens, usually with healthy body weight, but also diagnosed in adults.

These individuals may be the only ones in their family with the disease.

Usually diagnosed in adults who are overweight or obese but also diagnosed in children.

These individuals often have relatives with diabetes.

What causes it? The individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreas. The pancreas can no longer produce insulin, a hormone needed for controlling blood glucose. These individuals can still produce insulin but the body becomes resistant to its effects. Over time, the pancreas eventually stops producing insulin.
How is it detected?

The same diagnostic criteria are used for both types of diabetes. However, blood tests (i.e. autoantibody tests) may help clarify whether a patient has type 1 versus type 2 diabetes.

How is it treated? Patients with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin. Some patients with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by reducing their weight and changing their diet. Most others are treated with pills, injectable medicines, or insulin.

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Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both occur when the body cannot properly store and use glucose, which is essential for energy. This glucose then collects in the blood and does not reach the cells that need it, leading to serious complications.

Type 1 diabetes usually appears first in children and adolescents, but it can also occur in adults. In type 1 diabetes the immune system attacks pancreatic beta cells so that they can no longer produce insulin.

There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes and it is often hereditary. Around 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1.

Type 2 diabetes is more likely to appear as people age, but children may still develop it. In this type, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body cannot use it effectively. Lifestyle factors appear to play a role in its development. The majority of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

Both types of diabetes can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss, neurological conditions, and damage to blood vessels and organs.

The CDC estimates that more than 34 million people in the United States may have diabetes, and almost 25% of them may not know they have it.

This article will look at the similarities and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

A person with diabetes may experience adverse symptoms due to poorly-regulated blood sugar.

Other aspects of metabolic syndrome also occur alongside type 2 diabetes, including obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

The chart below outlines the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Hyperglycemia

If a person’s blood sugar is too high, they may experience the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, including frequent urination and increased thirst.

This can lead to ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition that needs urgent medical attention.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • a fruity smell on the breath
  • nausea and vomiting
  • a dry mouth
  • coma

Learn more about hyperglycemia here.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar levels are too low. Symptoms typically appear when blood sugar levels fall below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Early symptoms include:

  • sweating, chills, and a pale face
  • feeling shaky, nervous, and anxious
  • rapid heartbeat
  • feeling dizzy and lightheaded
  • nausea
  • feeling weak and tired
  • headaches
  • tingling

A person should consume a high-glucose food or drink to relieve the symptoms and prevent the problem from getting worse. Ideally, a person should follow this with protein-rich food.

Without treatment, the person may experience:

  • seizures
  • loss of consciousness
  • coma

This condition can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention.

A person with diabetes should carry a medical ID so that others will know what to do if a problem occurs.

Find out more about hypoglycemia here.

The onset of type 1 diabetes tends to be sudden. If a person has symptoms, the person should see a doctor as soon as possible.

By contrast, a person in the early stages of type 2 diabetes may show no symptoms. However, a routine blood test at this stage will show elevated blood sugar levels.

People with obesity and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes should have regular checks to ensure their glucose levels are healthy. If tests show they are high, they may have diabetes or prediabetes.

Learn more about prediabetes here.

Prediabetes is where a person has elevated blood glucose levels but does not yet meet the levels necessary for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

The following tests can help diagnose type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but they may not all be useful for both types:

  • A1C test: For an A1C test, a doctor will take a blood sample that gives the doctor an indication of a person’s average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
  • Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: This measures a person’s blood glucose levels after a period of fasting. Patients must not eat for at least 8 hours before the test, and as a result, many take the test before breakfast.
  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test measures how a person processes glucose. A patient will take a blood glucose test 2 hours before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink.
  • Random plasma glucose (RPG) test: A doctor will use an RPG test to measure a person’s blood glucose level at any point in a day. A patient does not have to fast before taking this test.

Depending on the results, the doctor may diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.

The following table shows which results indicate diabetes:

The ADA recommends regular screening for type 2 diabetes in people aged 45 years and above. Younger people who may be more at risk of diabetes, such as those with a family history of the condition, should also regularly screen for type 2 diabetes.

People can check their own blood glucose levels at home. A person without known diabetes who has concerns about values taken with a home meter should visit their doctor for evaluation.

Testing kits are available for purchase online.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to long-term complications if a person does not adequately manage them. These complications can include:

  • cardiovascular disease, including a risk of heart attack and stroke
  • kidney disease and kidney failure
  • eye problems and vision loss
  • nerve damage
  • high blood pressure
  • problems with wound healing
  • ketoacidosis

Type 1 and type 2 have different causes, but they both involve insulin.

Insulin is a type of hormone. The pancreas produces it to regulate the way blood sugar becomes energy.

Type 1 diabetes

In this type, scientists believe that the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. They do not know what causes this to happen, but childhood infections may play a role.

The immune system destroys these cells, which means that the body can no longer make enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. A person with type 1 diabetes will need to use supplemental insulin from when they receive the diagnosis through the rest of their life.

Type 1 often is first diagnosed when people are children and young adults, but it can happen later in life. It can start suddenly, and it tends to worsen quickly.

Type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells start to resist the effects of insulin. This means glucose cannot enter the cells. Instead, it builds up in the blood and higher levels of insulin are required to allow it to enter the cells. This is called insulin resistance.

In time, the body stops producing enough insulin, so it can no longer use glucose effectively.

Symptoms may take years to appear. People may use medications, diet, and exercise from the early stages to mitigate the progression of the disease.

In the early stages, a person with type 2 diabetes does not need supplemental insulin. As the disease progresses, however, they may need it to manage their blood glucose levels.

Genetic and environmental factors may trigger both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, many people may be able to avoid type 2 by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:

  • having a family history of diabetes
  • being born with certain genetic features that affect the way the body produces or uses insulin
  • possibly, exposure to some infections or viruses, such as mumps or rubella cytomegalovirus

Some medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis, reduce the person’s insulin production and cause a type of diabetes very similar to type 1 diabetes.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

  • having a family member with type 2 diabetes
  • having obesity
  • smoking
  • following an unhealthy diet
  • a lack of exercise
  • the use of some medications, including some medications for HIV and chronic steroids

People from certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. These include Black and Hispanic people, Native Americans and Native Alaskans, Pacific Islanders, and some people of Asian origin.

Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D may play a role in the development of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

A review published in 2017 suggests that when a person lacks vitamin D, certain processes in the body, such as immune function and insulin sensitivity, do not work as well as they should. According to the review’s authors, this may increase a person’s risk of diabetes.

The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. Food sources including oily fish and fortified dairy products are also high in vitamin D.

There is no cure for diabetes, but treatment can help people manage the condition and prevent it from worsening. Here are some points about treating and managing diabetes.

Gastric bypass surgery, lifestyle changes, and medication can result in remission of type 2 diabetes.

Find out more about non-insulin drugs for type 2 diabetes here.

Breastfeeding

Reviews suggest that breastfeeding or chestfeeding infants may help prevent them from developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Other studies suggest that a person who breastfeeds or chestfeeds an infant may benefit from a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious condition.

It is not currently possible for a person to prevent type 1 diabetes, but insulin and other drugs can help manage symptoms.

While there may be a hereditary link for both types of diabetes, people can both reduce the risk and manage the progress of type 2 diabetes by following a healthy, active lifestyle.

Anyone with a diagnosis of prediabetes should also make healthy lifestyle choices, as this can reduce or eliminate the risk of type 2 diabetes developing.