"Type 1" was formerly called "juvenile onset" or "insulin-dependent" diabetes. Type 1, the less common form of diabetes, affects about 5% to 10% of all diabetics. In this form of diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin. It usually develops in patients by age 15.
"Type 2" diabetes, also called "non-insulin dependent" or "adult onset," is now being seen much more frequently in children. It is the most common type of diabetes (90% to 95% of U.S. cases) and is a result of the body not properly using insulin produced by islet cells. Blood sugar rises to dangerous levels as the cells do not store glucose as glycogen, and glucose continues to enter the bloodstream from digestion. Many type 2 diabetic ultimately require insulin. This happens because insulin production eventually drops below a threshold level as a result of the body not producing enough insulin, or not using the produced insulin properly.
The greatest risk factor for type 2 of diabetes is obesity. Treatment for this disease includes weight loss via attention to a healthy diet and cardiovascular exercise.