Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes | Understanding Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Remission
- Gabriella
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
Many people confuse Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Both are related to high blood sugar, but the reasons why this happens are very different.
They may share a name, but in many ways, they are each other’s opposites.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood or early adulthood. It’s an autoimmune condition — the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
The result is a lack of insulin. Since insulin’s job is to move sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into cells for energy, sugar begins to build up in the blood instead.
People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin injections several times a day (or an insulin pump) to manage their blood sugar and make sure their body gets the energy it needs.
Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes can be put into remission through food and lifestyle changes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, making up around 90–95% of all cases.
In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is still producing insulin — plenty of it — but the body’s cells have become resistant to its effects. In other words, insulin is there, but it’s no longer able to “open the door” to let sugar into the cells.
👉 This is called insulin resistance.
As a result, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, and the pancreas responds by producing even more insulin to try and keep blood sugar levels in range.
Over time, this leads to higher insulin levels as your body needs more & more insulin to do the same job.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes share many of the same symptoms, including:
Constant hunger and excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Low energy and fatigue
Blurry vision
Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands and feet (more common in Type 2)
The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes tend to appear quickly and are often more intense.
With Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms usually come on slowly, often over years.
For many people, Type 2 diabetes can develop quietly for a long time before any symptoms are noticed. During this time, higher blood sugar can affect blood vessels and nerves throughout the body.
If left unmanaged, this can lead to complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney issues, vision problems, and increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Can You Put Type 2 Diabetes in Remission?
Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes can be put into remission through food and lifestyle changes.
By improving insulin sensitivity, your body can start to respond better to its own insulin — which helps balance blood sugar naturally.
With the right tools, support, and a personalised nutrition, you can take control of your blood sugar, so that you don’t have to start diabetes medication or rely on medications for the rest of your life.
💡 Key Takeaway
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may sound similar, but they are caused by very different processes.
Type 1 is an autoimmune condition, while Type 2 is driven by insulin resistance — and with the right food and lifestyle changes, it can be improved or put into remission.
Ready to learn more? Register to my Free Masterclass '3 Evidenced-Based Strategies to Repair your Blood Sugar & HbA1c'.
