Understanding Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes: Key Differences

The two main types of diabetes are:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose, or sugar, get from the blood into the cells for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can get too high and cause serious health problems.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well. This can also cause blood sugar levels to get too high. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, and it is often associated with obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity.