What are the types of Diabetes?

August 2, 2024

Diabetes is a long-term illness that affects the way the body processes glucose or blood sugar. It happens when the body either fails to make enough insulin or is unable to properly utilise the insulin that has been produced. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose from food pass into cells and be used for energy. If left uncontrolled for years, high blood glucose can cause damage to different organs of the body such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

The Different Types of Diabetes

There are different types of Diabetes and they differ in their causes, symptoms, and management. The three common ones are known as Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. There are also other types that are rare and they include; Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), Neonatal Diabetes, Genetic and Secondary Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes, previously referred to as Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin-Dependent Diabetes, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Thus, the body makes very little, if any, insulin at all. Type 1 Diabetes is more common in children, teenagers and young adults but can occur at any age.

Causes and Risk Factors

Autoimmune Response

The cause is still unclear however, it is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system targets its own cells.

Genetic Factors

There are genetic factors that put one at a higher risk of getting Type 1 Diabetes.

Environmental Triggers

Some of the causes may include viruses, diet, and exposure to certain chemicals in those with genetic predisposition to the condition.

Symptoms

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unintended weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Blurred vision
Irritability and mood changes

Treatment

Insulin Therapy

Due to the absence of insulin in the body, people with Type 1 Diabetes have to take insulin shots or use an insulin delivery system, which is an insulin pump.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Self-monitoring of the blood glucose is very important for the management of the disease.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

It is very important to ensure that the patient is on a balanced diet and exercises regularly in order to be able to maintain blood glucose levels within the target range.

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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes, the most prevalent type of Diabetes, develops when a person’s cells no longer respond effectively to insulin or when the body produces insufficient amounts of insulin. It is strictly different from Type 1 Diabetes as the latter is an autoimmune disease while the former is primarily induced by lifestyle factors and is especially known to affect adults over the age of 45 years; however, the condition is increasingly being reported in the younger population including children and adolescents.

Causes and Risk Factors

Insulin Resistance

The cells within the body reduce their sensitivity to insulin and the blood glucose levels rise.

Genetic Factors

It is established that the probability of Type 2 Diabetes is higher in people with a family history of this disease.

Lifestyle Factors

Obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking are some of the important risk factors.

Age and Ethnicity

The risk rises with age and is considered to be higher in patients with African, Hispanic, Native, and Asian ethnicity.

Symptoms

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Increased hunger
Unintended weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow to heal sores or recurrent infections
Darkened skin regions: especially the underarms and neck regions

Treatment

Lifestyle Changes

There are known recommendations for Type 2 Diabetes such as: proper nutrition, physical activity, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Oral Medications

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Insulin Therapy

In some cases, people may need insulin shots. If the methods above do not work, they need insulin injections.

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Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is a form of Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and most often disappears after the baby is born. It occurs when a woman has never had Diabetes before but during pregnancy, her blood sugar level rises significantly. Gestational Diabetes has consequences that are detrimental to the pregnant woman and her foetus, raising the chance of complications during the pregnancy and delivery, as well as increasing the probability of the mother developing Type 2 Diabetes later on in her life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Hormonal Changes

There is also the factor of hormonal changes during pregnancy that can lead to changes in insulin sensitivity.

Genetic Factors

Diabetes or the history of its presence in the family also plays a role in increasing the risk of the occurrence of the disease.

Obesity

Obesity is also considered to be a strong predictor of the risk for developing the condition before pregnancy.

Age

Women above the age of twenty five are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Ethnicity

This condition is especially prevalent with people of African, Hispanic, Native, and Asian background.

Symptoms

It is also important to note that in most cases of Gestational Diabetes, symptoms may not be very obvious. Screening is recommended for any pregnant woman as the first step in detecting the condition.

Treatment

Blood Glucose Monitoring

To ensure the blood glucose levels are well regulated within the target range, frequent checks are advised.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity

Eating a balanced diet of whole foods and regular physical activity play a key role in the treatment of the disease.

Insulin Therapy

Some women can end up having to inject themselves with insulin if their glucose levels cannot be regulated through diet and exercise.

Other Forms of Diabetes

In addition to the three main types, there are other forms of Diabetes, each with unique causes and characteristics:

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)

A form of Diabetes which is quite rare and is characterised by a mutation in a single gene. It usually begins before one is twenty five years old and can be controlled through lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin based on the type of gene mutation involved.

Neonatal Diabetes

Diabetes that appears during the first six months of life, meaning it is present shortly after birth. It can be a temporary or chronic condition and is brought by mutations in genetic sequence that impacts insulin production.

Secondary Diabetes

This type develops from other diseases or therapies like chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis or the utilisation of steroids like glucocorticoids for long periods.

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Managing Diabetes

The fundamental goal of Diabetes patients is to control blood glucose and keep them within a target range to avoid the disease’s negative effects. Key strategies include:

Healthy Eating

An important factor is the food you intake, and this should consist of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Regular Physical Activity

Physical activities promote insulin responsiveness while reducing blood glucose levels.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Self-monitoring enables the tracking of blood glucose levels and the application of any necessary changes in the Diabetes management plan.

Education and Support

The care and support from the healthcare providers, the families, and Diabetes support groups are important in coping with the condition.

Complications of Diabetes

If not well-managed, Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including:

Cardiovascular Disease

Diabetes increases the chances of developing heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

It can lead to discomfort, numbness, and even resulting in paralysis of the limbs and other parts of the body.

Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)

Diabetes can result in acute renal failure or chronic renal failure also known as end-stage renal disease.

Eye Damage (Retinopathy)

If not treated, it could lead to blindness.

Foot Damage

Diabetes can cause impaired blood flow and nerve damage to the extremities and particularly to the feet: ulcers and infections may develop and lead to amputation.

Skin Conditions

The Diabetes patient is at a higher risk of developing bacterial and fungal infections.

Hearing Impairment

There is an increased probability of hearing impairment.

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Conclusion

It is also important to note various types of Diabetes to prevent and manage them appropriately. Type 1 Diabetes is treated by lifelong insulin administration, Type 2 Diabetes is treated by a positive change in diet, exercises, and lifestyle. Gestational Diabetes needs to be well managed during pregnancy in order to avoid complications for both the mother and the baby. Other types of Diabetes exist albeit rare and they also require specialised management.

Type 2 Diabetes, if diagnosed at its early stage and managed well, can lead to improved quality of life and can minimise the risk of complications. Thus, people with Diabetes can live a healthy and long life if they ensure they are informed and work closely with the right healthcare providers.

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To learn more about Diabetes, check out our other related blogs:

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