Is it type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.¹ Diabetes UK’s video below explains more about type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body's cells don’t react to insulin.¹ Diabetes UK’s video below explains more about type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in African, African-Caribbean and South Asian people. The number of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is increasing.²

People with type 1 diabetes need to use insulin to treat their diabetes. Insulin helps to control blood glucose levels in the body.³ Insulin can be taken by having an injection or using an insulin pump.

People with type 1 diabetes are at risk of hypoglycaemia (a hypo). Symptoms of a hypo include:

• Sweating
• Being anxious or irritable
• Feeling hungry
• Finding it difficult to concentrate
• Blurred vision
• Shaking or trembling.⁴

A hypo needs to be treated quickly. Eating or drinking something sugary will help, such as:

• 3 dextrose or glucose sweets
• 5 small sweets, like jelly babies
• 1 glass of non-diet sugary drink (a mini can of cola is ideal)
• 1 glass of fruit juice.⁴

Some people with type 1 diabetes might also be able to have an islet cell transplant. This may help stop severe hypos.

Treatment for type 2 diabetes will usually start with an initial drug treatment. This is one single treatment to lower blood glucose levels, without using insulin. This is known as monotherapy.¹ The most common drug used in this type of treatment is a tablet called metformin.

Some people with type 2 diabetes might have to use insulin at some point, but many people can manage their type 2 diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise routine.