Many of us are aware of what diabetes is, but do you know the difference between type 1 and 2?14:31, 06 Jul 2026Diabetes symptoms can often be difficult to spot, meaning countless people remain completely unaware that they have the health condition. According to Diabetes UK, they estimate that almost 6 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, which is an all-time high.‌Their data shows that more than 4.7 million people in the UK live with a diabetes diagnosis. Meanwhile, almost 1.3 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed. These figures are for 2024-25 and are up by 155,803 from 2023-24.‌We explain what is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as the symptoms to look out for.‌What is type 1 diabetes?According to the NHS, Type 1 diabetes is a condition "where your body cannot make a hormone called insulin. This causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to get too high".If it's not treated, it can lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.‌Type 1 diabetes usually begins in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age. For those who are undiagnosed, the symptoms can develop quickly, over a few days or weeks.Individuals are more likely to get type 1 diabetes if they have other problems with their immune system (autoimmune conditions) or if others in their family have this type of diabetes or other autoimmune conditions.What is type 2 diabetes?Type 2 diabetes is when a "hormone called insulin does not work properly, or there is not enough of it. This causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high. It affects adults and sometimes children," according to the NHS.‌Individuals can manage type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise or medication.However, having high blood sugar levels can lead to further health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke or nerve problems.According to the NHS, it may be possible to prevent type 2 diabetes or stop it (remission) by losing weight and improving your diet.‌Type 1 symptoms are similar to type 2 diabetes, but type 2 usually develops "more slowly and is more common in older people". Although type 2 diabetes is "less common in children, ethnic background, weight, activity and family history can also increase the risk".Type 2 symptoms may develop gradually, but not everyone gets them.‌What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are:peeing more than usual, especially at nightfeeling very thirsty and drinking more than usualfeeling very tiredlosing weight without trying to or looking thinnerOther symptoms can include:‌blurred visionbreath that smells sweet or fruity (like nail polish remover or pear drop sweets)cuts and wounds are taking longer to healgetting frequent infections or infections that do not get betterWhat are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are:feeling very tiredpeeing more than usualfeeling thirsty all the timelosing weight without trying toArticle continues belowOther symptoms can include:blurred visioncuts or wounds taking longer to healitching around your penis or vagina, or you keep getting thrushThese symptoms are the same for both adults and children.