There is no clear answer regarding which type of diabetes is worse, as both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to significant health complications if not well-managed. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks itself and destroys beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin, so little to no insulin is produced by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesnt use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Type 1 diabetes is considered worse than type 2 because it is an autoimmune disease, so there isnt a cure, and it can reduce life expectancy by 20 years or more. However, both types of diabetes are manageable, and the better controlled your diabetes is, the lower the risk of reduction in your life expectancy.