WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES?
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 develops when the insulin-producing cells in the body have been destroyed, leaving the body unable to produce any insulin at all.
Everyone diagnosed with Type 1 is treated with insulin.
Scientists don't know why the insulin-producing cells are destroyed in people with the condition.
All those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are treated with insulin, pictured
It is thought to be caused by an abnormal, autoimmune, reaction to the cells, which could be triggered by a virus or other infection.
Experts believe there is a genetic element to Type 1 diabetes.
It is more common in some parts of the world than others.
Unlike Type 2, Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with lifestyle or weight.
The condition can develop at any age, but is usually diagnosed before the age of 40, most commonly in late childhood.
Around 10 per cent of the 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK have Type 1.
Type 2 diabetes
The condition develops when the body is still able to make insulin, but not enough.
It also develops when the insulin that is produced by the body does not work properly - known as insulin resistance.
Initially, Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Being obese or overweight is the biggest risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes
Medication is also often required and a large number of sufferers eventually progress to needing insulin.
People who are overweight and have a large waist, are more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes - it is the biggest risk factor.
Those who have a close relative with the condition, or who are from a black or South Asian background are also at increased risk.
The condition usually affects those aged over 40, but people from South Asia are commonly affected from the age of 25.
Around 90 per cent of the 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK have Type 2.
In addition, there are 549,000 people who have Type 2 diabetes but don’t know they have it because they haven’t been diagnosed.
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