children with DIABETES - How Does Type 2 Differ From Type 1?

Google - Traducir esta página a español.

Google - Traduza esta página ao português.



		How Does Type 2 Differ From Type 1?

How Does Type 2 Diabetes Differ From Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is known as an autoimmune disease. That means that the body's immune system cells (cells that usually protect the body from germs and infection) actually destroy the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. You can tell when autoimmune destruction is taking place in the body when beta cell antibodies appear in the blood. Destruction of the beta cells in this way leads to a serious lack of insulin.

Unlike type 1 where the body lacks insulin, in type 2 diabetes, the body is resistant to insulin, which is almost always associated with obesity. So unlike people with type 1 diabetes who stop making insulin, people with type 2 continue to make some insulin – although not enough to overcome insulin resistance.

Characteristic Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes

Typical clinical course Usually rapid onset; symptoms are present for a few weeks to one month. Usually slower or more subtle onset; symptoms are present for many months.

Weight Primarily lean, although as more children become overweight, increasing numbers of children with type 1 are overweight at diagnosis. Almost all of the children with type 2 are overweight or obese.

Diabetes ketoacidosis(DKA) is diagnosed when a child has ketones in the urine and blood, and is dehydrated and sick. It usually requires hospitalization and the administration of fluids and insulin by vein. This occurs in about 35%-40% of children at the time of diagnosis of type 1 A very mild form is found in some children with type 2. It has been reported to occur in type 2 in about 15% of cases at diagnosis.

Family history Only 5% have a relative with type 1 diabetes. Up to 20% may have a relative with type 2 diabetes. 2 Almost all will have at least one relative with type 2.

Other conditions in addition to diabetes Several autoimmune diseases such as thyroid and/or adrenal disorders, vitiligo (loss of pigmentation of the skin) and celiac disease are seen in children with type 1 at a higher rate than the general population. Autoimmune disorders may also run in family members Polycystic ovary syndrome. Acanthosis nigricans. (90%) High Blood Pressure. Other obesity-related conditions.

C-peptide - this indicates insulin is being made in the pancreas Can be preserved at diagnosis when a few cells still persist and can manufacture insulin. Always present, which indicates that not all insulin producing cells have been destroyed

Presence of islet auto-antibodies Although this is the hallmark of type 1, only 85% of those felt to have type 1 have antibodies Although this is the hallmark of type 1, 15% of those presenting with what looks like type 2 diabetes have antibodies.

Table 1: Type 1 diabetes vs Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents

«« Back to Type 2 and Double Diabetes

« Prev: What Causes Insulin Resistance? | Next: What is Double Diabetes? »

		Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful E-mail Page Print Format

Last Updated: Tuesday March 25, 2008 08:33:12
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.

This site is published by Children With Diabetes, Inc, which is responsible for its contents.
By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use, Legal Notice, Privacy Policy, and Safe Harbor Policy.
© Children with Diabetes, Inc. 1995-2013. Comments and Feedback.

Characteristic	Type 1 diabetes	Type 2 diabetes
Typical clinical course	Usually rapid onset; symptoms are present for a few weeks to one month.	Usually slower or more subtle onset; symptoms are present for many months.
Weight	Primarily lean, although as more children become overweight, increasing numbers of children with type 1 are overweight at diagnosis.	Almost all of the children with type 2 are overweight or obese.
Diabetes ketoacidosis(DKA) is diagnosed when a child has ketones in the urine and blood, and is dehydrated and sick. It usually requires hospitalization and the administration of fluids and insulin by vein.	This occurs in about 35%-40% of children at the time of diagnosis of type 1	A very mild form is found in some children with type 2. It has been reported to occur in type 2 in about 15% of cases at diagnosis.
Family history	Only 5% have a relative with type 1 diabetes. Up to 20% may have a relative with type 2 diabetes. 2	Almost all will have at least one relative with type 2.
Other conditions in addition to diabetes	Several autoimmune diseases such as thyroid and/or adrenal disorders, vitiligo (loss of pigmentation of the skin) and celiac disease are seen in children with type 1 at a higher rate than the general population. Autoimmune disorders may also run in family members	Polycystic ovary syndrome. Acanthosis nigricans. (90%) High Blood Pressure. Other obesity-related conditions.
C-peptide - this indicates insulin is being made in the pancreas	Can be preserved at diagnosis when a few cells still persist and can manufacture insulin.	Always present, which indicates that not all insulin producing cells have been destroyed
Presence of islet auto-antibodies	Although this is the hallmark of type 1, only 85% of those felt to have type 1 have antibodies	Although this is the hallmark of type 1, 15% of those presenting with what looks like type 2 diabetes have antibodies.