Find out about the two most common types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Symptoms and causes differ for each.
Key points
The most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas loses its ability to make insulin.
Most cases of type 1 diabetes occur in children or adolescents.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes insulin however, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is being released.
The most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. However, diabetes can be from other causes, such as pregnancy (gestational diabetes) or cystic fibrosis. For some people, diabetes can occur when they are treated with medicines such as steroids.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes was previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), juvenile diabetes or childhood diabetes. Only a small proportion of all people with diabetes (5% to 10%) have type 1 diabetes, and most cases occur in children or adolescents. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, but the condition can be well managed.