The Main Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
An autoimmune condition where the body stops making insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin for life. It can be diagnosed at any age and is not caused by lifestyle or diet.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
The body still makes insulin, but it does not work well, and over time less insulin may be made. It is more common in adults but is increasingly seen in children. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes insulin.
Gestational diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after birth but increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life for both parent and child.
Monogenic diabetes (such as MODY)
A rare, inherited form of diabetes caused by a single gene change. It often runs in families and may not require insulin.
LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)
A slow‑developing autoimmune diabetes diagnosed in adults. It may look like Type 2 at first but eventually requires insulin, similar to Type 1 diabetes.
Can my child get more than one of these?
Having one type of diabetes does not make it generally more likely to get another type. However, it is possible for Type 1 diabetics to also develop Type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance); this is sometimes called “double diabetes”.
You can’t prevent Type 1 diabetes from existing, and you can’t turn Type 1 diabetes into Type 2 diabetes.
But you can reduce the risk of developing significant insulin resistance, which is the Type‑2‑like feature that can sometimes develop in people with Type 1.
How someone with Type 1 can reduce the risk of Type‑2‑like features
These are risk‑reduction steps, not guarantees, and they apply to children and adults with Type 1.
Maintain a healthy body weight (for age and growth stage)
Excess body fat is the strongest known risk factor for insulin resistance, even in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Stay physically active
Regular movement improves insulin sensitivity, meaning insulin works better in the body and lower doses are often needed.
Avoid long periods of high blood sugar
Chronic high glucose levels can worsen insulin resistance, increasing insulin needs over time.
Use insulin thoughtfully, not excessively
Insulin is lifesaving and essential, but weight gain from chronic over‑insulinization can contribute to insulin resistance. This is why dosing is adjusted carefully over time by care teams.
Watch for puberty‑related insulin resistance (in children and teens)
Puberty naturally causes temporary insulin resistance. This is normal, but healthy habits help blunt its effects.
Treat blood pressure, cholesterol, and sleep issues early
These are part of metabolic health and affect insulin sensitivity, even though they’re not “diabetes” themselves.
Getting insulin resistance does not mean someone “failed” diabetes care.
Genetics, puberty, hormones, and modern life all play a role. The goal is risk reduction, not perfection.