Diabetes Types

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the human body fails to metabolize glucose.  At present, more than 250 million people worldwide are affected and these numbers are going to increase further in coming years. In fact, one person dies after every 10 seconds due to diabetes or its related symptoms and complications. Owing to the severity of the disease, it is extremely essential for a person suffering with the condition to have a complete understanding about Diabetes. One aspect of Diabetes that people often tend to ignore or lack information on is the different Diabetes types.  

Diabetes, also known as Diabetes mellitus, can be broadly classified into three major categories. Below are described some salient features of each category.  

Type 1 Diabetes:  

Also known as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, this form of disease occurs when the pancreas stops secreting insulin into the blood, thereby resulting in troubled metabolism. Type 1 Diabetes is primarily an autoimmune disease that develops most often in juveniles and young adults. This disease usually occurs when the body’s immune system develops antibodies against the insulin-secreting beta islet cells of pancreas. As a result, these cells get destroyed, thereby resulting in the pancreas producing little or no insulin. Onset of Type 1 Diabetes might also happen if the individually is genetically predisposed as a result of congenital mutations that happen at the time of birth. Another probability for the occurrence of this disease is when the pancreas gets destroyed during any accident. This form of diabetes usually persists as a life long condition. Individuals suffering with Type 1 Diabetes become entirely dependent on daily doses of insulin for their entire life. Symptoms of juvenile diabetes include increased thirst, increased urine, blurred vision and extreme fatigue.  

Type 2 Diabetes:  

Of the three diabetes types, the most common is Type 2 Diabetes. In fact, almost 90-95% individuals suffering with diabetes have Type 2.  Also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult diabetes, Type 2 form occurs predominantly in older individuals who tend to develop insulin resistance with age. In their case, the body suddenly requires higher doses of insulin for processing blood glucose as their body cells are unable to use insulin effectively.  There are a variety of causes that can lead to Type 2 Diabetes.  Some of these include lifestyle, dietary habits, old age, obesity, heredity, or lack of physical activity. An interesting aspect is that symptoms of adult diabetes never appear suddenly. Alternatively, these symptoms are mild, non-existent and appear slowly and gradually. Some of the early symptoms of adult diabetes include fatigue, anorexia, frequent urination, increased hunger and excessive thirst. Ironically, some cases of Type 2 Diabetes are asymptomatic or go unnoticed until the individuals develop some serious complications. Some other associated early warning signs or symptoms of adult diabetes that appear if the disease goes unnoticed include blurred vision, frequent infections and reduced wound healing capability.  

Gestational Diabetes:  

Also known as G.D, gestational diabetes is a form of Type 2 Diabetes that appears in 2-5% of all pregnancies. Due to some unknown reasons, cells in certain pregnant women develop insulin resistance during the later stages of pregnancy. Gestational Diabetes primarily occurs when the hormones secreted by the placenta interfere with insulin secretion and absorption. Even the symptoms of gestational diabetes are almost similar to that of Type 2 Diabetes and include fatigue, excessive thirst, increased hunger and frequent urination. Some women even suffer with abnormal weight loss. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to several complications both for the fetus and the mother. An interesting aspect is that symptoms of gestational diabetes tend to improve or disappear after delivery.  

By keeping this information on the different diabetes types in mind, you should have a better understanding of diabetes.