What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose. While both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes involve high blood sugar, the underlying causes, risk factors, and management approaches are quite different. Understanding the difference between Type 1 and 2 diabetes can help you recognise symptoms, get appropriate care, and make informed decisions about your health.
At Evergreen Doctors, we use a functional medicine approach to support patients living with diabetes. We aim to understand the root causes of disease, not just manage the symptoms. That starts with education.
The Difference Between Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
The main difference between Type 1 and 2 diabetes lies in how the body produces and uses insulin.
In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little or no insulin. This type of diabetes often develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. It’s considered an autoimmune condition.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, typically develops later in life and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, physical inactivity, and body weight. In this case, the body still produces insulin, but the cells become resistant to it. Over time, the pancreas may also produce less insulin.
Both forms result in high blood glucose levels, but the path to that outcome and the treatment strategy are different.
Can You Have Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes at the Same Time?
So, can you have type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the same time?
This is a common question, and the answer is slightly nuanced. While it's rare to have both conditions in the strictest sense, there is a recognised form of diabetes called Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). Sometimes referred to as "Type 1.5 diabetes," it shares features of both Type 1 and Type 2.
People with LADA may initially appear to have Type 2 diabetes because the onset is slower and often occurs in adulthood. However, blood tests usually reveal the presence of autoantibodies, suggesting an autoimmune origin more consistent with Type 1.
So, while you can't technically have both types at once, there are overlaps, and diagnosis isn't always black and white. A thorough evaluation at a specialised diabetes clinic in Sydney like ours can help determine the correct type and most appropriate treatment plan.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Turn Into Type 1?
Type 2 diabetes does not convert into Type 1. These are fundamentally different conditions. However, Type 2 diabetes can progress over time. As the pancreas struggles to keep up with increased insulin demands, insulin production can decrease significantly. This may eventually lead to insulin dependency, but it’s still considered advanced Type 2, not Type 1.
This confusion is understandable, especially when insulin therapy becomes necessary, but it’s important to recognise that the answer to “can Type 2 diabetes turn into Type 1?” is no.
What Causes Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is primarily driven by autoimmune factors, and its exact cause is still under investigation. Genetics can play a role, as can certain environmental triggers, but it is not linked to lifestyle in the way Type 2 is.
Type 2 diabetes develops due to a mix of genetic and lifestyle-related factors. Insulin resistance builds up over time, often alongside weight gain, inactivity, or chronic stress. Poor sleep, hormone imbalance, and inflammation can also contribute. At Evergreen Doctors, we look at the causes of Type 2 diabetes through a comprehensive lens to uncover what might be driving the condition in each individual.
If you have a family history, you may wonder which diabetes is genetic. Both types have a genetic component, but genetics play a larger role in Type 2 diabetes. If someone in your family has Type 2, your risk increases, particularly when combined with lifestyle risks.
How to Manage Each Type of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy. Blood glucose monitoring, carb counting, and insulin timing all become part of daily life. While there’s no known prevention for Type 1, managing stress, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can still improve quality of life.
Type 2 diabetes can often be managed—and sometimes significantly improved—through lifestyle changes. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, quality sleep, and stress reduction. In some cases, medication or insulin therapy is also needed.
One of the most promising approaches for Type 2 is early intervention. If you're at risk or have been diagnosed with prediabetes, it’s possible to prevent progression. Knowing how to reverse pre diabetes involves tailored support, blood sugar monitoring, and making changes before the condition becomes more serious.
How Functional Medicine Supports Diabetes Care
At Evergreen Doctors, we combine conventional care with functional medicine. That means we don't just treat numbers on a test—we explore how your hormones, gut health, immune system, and lifestyle are affecting your glucose levels.
For example, we investigate:
Cortisol patterns and their impact on insulin resistance
Inflammatory markers that may affect metabolic function
Micronutrient status, especially magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D
Gut microbiome health and its connection to glucose regulation
We also use advanced testing to detect early signs of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. This helps us guide patients with early-stage Type 2 or LADA more effectively.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or managing a long-term condition, we create a personalised plan that fits your needs and goals.
A More Individualised Way Forward
Understanding the difference between Type 1 and 2 diabetes is the first step. But knowing what’s driving your condition—and what your options are—can change everything.
If you're feeling unsure about your diagnosis or looking for better management options, Evergreen Doctors is here to help. From Type 1 to Type 2 and everything in between, we work alongside you to create care plans that reflect your unique physiology, not just your blood sugar levels.