Its the getting there that defines the type of diabetes.
For examples Gestational diabetes is defined by developing diabetes whilst pregnant, but if i fell pregnant tomorrow i would still have type 1 diabetes, not gestational.
Type 1 and 1.5 diabetes are both very similar but still are defined as different as 1.5 is a much slower development.
Mind you they used to be referred as Mature on-set diabetes and juvenile diabetes, indicated because of the typical age range that they developed, but is rarely referred to as these as it's clearly inaccurate.
I have many people tell me their 'aunt' or 'grandma' has type 1 diabetes and can i take pills for my diabetes too? Or how come your diabetes is so BAD that you have to inject yourself?
I had a misguided friend told me when she came to the hospital when i was diagnosed that i wouldn't have to inject forever according to her customer at work. To my utter dissapointment i still seem to shoving cannulas in my stomach every two days! :lol:
Good explanation by Smidge though, spot on i'd say