Types of Diabetes : Identification, Causes and More
Diabetes is a common, but dangerous, condition that affects the way your body utilises sugar (glucose). Billions of people worldwide live with diabetes and gaining knowledge about it will help in early detection, treatment and improved lifestyles.
In this article we are going to outline the types of diabetes, their causes, how they are diagnosed and what you can do to manage and even prevent this condition. Let’s make it simple.
Who is at risk of developing Diabetes? In this eye-opening video, we explore the key factors that determine who gets Diabetes, from genetics and lifestyle choices to environmental influences.
Whether you’re concerned about your own risk or just want to understand more about the condition, we break down the different types of diabetes and who’s most likely to develop them.
With practical tips on prevention and management, this video provides valuable insights to help you take proactive steps towards better health. Watch now to learn more and stay one step ahead in protecting your wellbeing!
Watch our insightful video to learn “Who gets Diabetes?“
What Is Diabetes?
Your body needs sugar (glucose) to get energy. To metabolise that sugar, your body depends on a hormone known as insulin that is produced in the pancreas. Insulin allows the transfer of sugar from your blood into your cells.
In diabetic people, this process doesn’t occur properly. The body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can hardly use it effectively. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood, which can cause damage over time.
The Main Types of Diabetes
Three major forms of diabetes exist.
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
Let’s look at each one of them in simple terms.
Type 1 Diabetes: When the Body Attacks Itself
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system has, by mistake, targeted the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. The body therefore can no longer produce insulin.
Who Gets It?
- Normally occurs in children or young adults, but it can occur at any age.
- It’s not the fault of the way you live or anything you did wrong.
Causes:
- Exact cause is unknown, but it is probably caused by genes and autoimmune reactions.
- People may also have a genetic risk and virus or another environmental factor that triggers it.
Symptoms:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Needing to urinate often
- Weight loss without trying
- Feeling very tired
- Blurry vision
Treatment:
- People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day.
- Healthy eating, exercising and control of the blood sugar help manage it.
Type 2 Diabetes: When the Body Stops Responding to Insulin
Type 2 diabetes is the most common, and the worst. In this case, the body is still producing insulin, but it doesn’t function properly. This is called insulin resistance. The pancreas may eventually start making too little insulin later on.
Who Gets It?
- Typically occurs in adults over 40, but it’s increasingly found in younger people and children because of dietary and lifestyle changes.
Causes:
- Inappropriate diet (sugary or high-fat foods in particular)
- Lack of physical activity
- Being overweight
- Family history of diabetes
- Age and some ethnic backgrounds are associated with risk.
Symptoms:
- Not everybody has symptoms at first.
- Feeling tired
- Increased thirst
- More frequent urination
- Slow-healing cuts
- Blurry vision
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Treatment:
- A large number of people control their Type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes:
- Healthier eating
- Exercise
- Weight loss
- Others may as well require oral or insulin shots.
Can It Be Prevented?
Yes! In most instances, Type 2 diabetes is preventable or can be delayed with:
- A healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Gestational Diabetes: During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes only happens during pregnancy. Placental hormones may impair the body’s use of insulin and cause high blood sugar.
Who Gets It?
- Happens in about 2–10% of pregnancies.
- Most common among overweight women over age 25 with a family history of diabetes.
Symptoms:
- Often has no symptoms.
- Diagnosed via normal blood sugar tests during pregnancy.
Risks:
- Increases the possibility of a large baby, which can complicate labor.
- Greater risk of high blood pressure in the mother.
- Both mother and baby are more susceptible to contracting Type 2 diabetes in later life.
Treatment:
- Special meal plans
- Exercise
- In other instances, insulin or other medication is required.
Other Less Common Types of Diabetes
In addition to the primary three types, there are a couple of rare forms:
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
- Caused by a gene mutation
- Generally diagnosed at teens or early adulthood.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)
- A type 1 diabetes in adults that takes a long time to develop.
Secondary Diabetes
- Can be caused by specific medications or Cushing’s syndrome or diseases of the pancreas.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Doctors can diagnose diabetes through simple blood tests such as:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test – Measures the blood sugar levels after not eating for the night.
- A1C Test – Indicates average blood sugar for the previous 2–3 months.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test – Tests your body’s ability to process sugar before and after consuming a sweetened liquid.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Catching diabetes early can help prevent complications like:
- Heart disease
- Kidney problems
- Nerve damage
- Vision loss
- Foot problems and infections
If you observe symptoms or have risk factors, consult your doctor about testing.
Living Well with Diabetes
The fact that you have diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t live a full, active life. Numerous people manage their diabetes with healthy choices and lifestyle changes.
Tips for Living Well:
- Eat a well balanced diet (less sugar and processed foods)
- Move your body daily
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly
- Keep in touch with your healthcare team.
Could you spot the early warning signs of Diabetes? In this important video, we reveal the 10 key symptoms that could signal the onset of diabetes, from subtle changes in your energy levels to unexpected shifts in your weight and thirst.
Catching these signs early can make all the difference in preventing serious health complications. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, this video will arm you with the knowledge you need to take action. Tune in and learn what to watch for — early awareness is the first step towards better health!
What are the 10 early warning signs of Diabetes
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious but treatable illness that impacts the way that the body handles sugar. Understanding the different types—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes—can help individuals take control of their health through early detection, proper treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices.
If you are diabetic, take care of people diagnosed with it or want to prevent being diabetic, you will need to be well informed. Through understanding of causes, symptoms and treatment options, you arm yourself with knowledge to make informed choices.
Early and proactive diagnosis can make the difference between living healthy and long life vs a life riddled with diabetic complications. If you have any concerns or risk factors, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider. That first step might be life changing.
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To learn more about Diabetes, check out our other related blogs:
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Different Types Of Diabetes And How To Treat Them
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How does gestational diabetes affect pregnancy and the babies?
