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Diagnosis & Symptoms

In Type 1 diabetes, the body stops making insulin or makes only a small amount. Since insulin cannot be given by mouth, it is given by daily injections. According to the American Diabetes Association's 2008 5th edition of Medical Management of Type 1 Diabetes, Type 1 accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes; it usually occurs in people under age 30, but it can occur at any age.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin, or is unable to use the insulin properly (which is called insulin resistance), or both. Some people with Type 2 diabetes are controlled by diet and exercise, while most either take diabetes pills, or insulin, or a combination of pills and insulin. Also according to the American Diabetes Association's 2008 5th edition of Medical Management of Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent after age 30. However, an increasing number of obese adolescents and young adults have been presenting with type 2 diabetes, especially among African Americans, American Indians/Native Alaskans, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.