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Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person's blood sugar is too high. This happens because the body either does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin correctly. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes happens when the pancreas does not make enough insulin. This is usually when the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes refers to high blood sugar levels as a result of problems with making or using insulin. It typically occurs due to overweight, obesity, reduced physical activity, or insulin resistance. Type 1 diabetes is less common, accounting for around 5% to 10% of diabetes cases.
Do type 2 diabetics take insulin?
Insulin may be a necessary treatment for type 2 diabetes. This typically involves injecting insulin under the skin to help manage blood sugar levels. However, a person may take oral medications before requiring insulin injections. It may also be possible to manage type 2 diabetes with lifestyle interventions such as making dietary changes, maintaining a moderate weight, and getting enough physical activity. Learn more about managing type 2 diabetes.
Is type 2 diabetes an autoimmune disease?
Experts generally do not believe that type 2 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. However, a 2019 article suggests that there may be an autoimmune component to the inflammation present in type 2 diabetes. Scientists are also researching what might be different subtypes of type 2 diabetes, which may have links to autoimmune disease.
