Please tell me if it is unusual to not know the type of diabetes?

Quite common: Many people don't know simply because they've never asked and their doctor never specifically told them. Sometimes, it may not be clear right away after a new diagnosis. Factors increasing likelihood of type 1: younger age, normal or underweight, abrupt onset, very high level at diagnosis, few family members with type 2, + family history of type 1, initial treatment choice is insulin.Diabetes.