Type 1 diabetes is not related to lifestyle factors and cannot be prevented or reversed, Diabetes Ireland has said.

According to the charity, there is widespread confusion among members of the public over the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

"To set the record straight, type1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, not related to weight or a sedentary lifestyle and it's not preventable or reversible. It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is associated with poor lifestyle behaviours and diet, being overweight, being sedentary and usually develops when one is over 45 years of age," explained Dr Anna Clarke of Diabetes Ireland.

The charity noted that type 2 diabetes tends to get a lot of media coverage. However, this has left many people with type 1 diabetes ‘feeling invisible, overlooked or blamed by an unknowing public for causing their own condition'.

"The current media focus on obesity and its relationship with type 2 diabetes is leading to discrimination against people with type 1 diabetes who are wrongly perceived as having contributed to the onset of their own lifelong condition," Dr Clarke pointed out.

She said that the parents of children with type 1 diabetes are particularly concerned about this confusion.

"When a person who only knows about type 2 diabetes hears that your child has been diagnosed with diabetes they frequently don't realise that your child has type 1. They link diabetes with a poor diet and lack of exercise. Some people's lack of understanding leads them to believe that the reason your child has diabetes is due to poor diet and lifestyle in the home. This is very hurtful and totally wrong," said Charlotte, a parent in Cork.

Dr Clarke added that while people who are not aware of these conditions ‘can be excused for missing the distinction between the two', policy makers and the media must be better informed.

"There are up to 19,000 people with type 1 diabetes in Ireland - their condition deserves recognition as distinct from type 2 diabetes."

For more information on the differences between the two conditions, click here