The key difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes lies in the cause and the body's ability to produce or use insulin:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in no insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily for life. It often appears suddenly, typically in children or young adults. The exact cause is unknown but involves genetic and possibly environmental factors.

• Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, and/or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. It develops gradually, usually in adults but increasingly in younger people due to lifestyle factors such as obesity. It can sometimes be managed or put into remission with lifestyle changes and medication, though insulin may be needed later.

Both types involve elevated blood sugar levels and share symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds, but type 1 symptoms typically develop quickly while type 2 symptoms develop slowly and can be harder to notice.

Summary of Differences

Aspect| Type 1 Diabetes| Type 2 Diabetes
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Cause| Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells| Insulin resistance and/or reduced insulin production
Insulin production| None| Insufficient or ineffective
Typical onset| Childhood or young adulthood| Usually adulthood, increasingly younger
Symptoms onset| Rapid| Gradual, may be unnoticed initially
Treatment| Requires insulin for life| Lifestyle changes, oral meds, insulin if needed
Prevention| No known prevention| Often preventable with lifestyle changes

These differences impact diagnosis, treatment, and management approaches.