The Six Types of Diabetes
- Posted on: Mar 11 2025
Diabetes is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world and sadly, more and more people around the world, irrespective of age, gender, race, and nationality, are getting affected by it each day. It’s natural that now even people who don’t have it are curious to learn about the various types of diabetes.
These are the different types of diabetes and a brief description
1. Type One Diabetes
It is commonly known as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system turns upon itself and destroys the cells producing insulin. Of all the various types of diabetes, Type 1 diabetes affects about 10-15% of the people with the disease. This form of diabetes is usually manifested in people under the age of 40 who are genetically inclined to developing the disease. It is triggered by a combination of factors related to diet, chemicals, and the environment. Insulin shots are the predominant form of medication for people afflicted with this type of diabetes. They should also follow a strict diet and a regular exercise regimen.
2. Type Two Diabetes
Of all the types of diabetes, the type 2 variety afflicts about 90% of all those who have developed the disease. It is also known as insulin-independent or adult- or late-onset diabetes, because it is characterized by insulin resistance and is usually detected in people over the age of 40. However, studies have shown that type 2 diabetes may also affect people below 40 years of age among populations predisposed to the disease. Although genetic conditions play a role in triggering off the disease, research has consistently shown that lifestyle factors like obesity, lack of exercise, improper diet, and high blood pressure are also the major causes. Treatment for this type of diabetes includes bringing about diet and lifestyle changes and some people are also prescribed insulin injection
3. Gestational Diabetes
Of the various types of diabetes, this form is probably the least known. In this form of diabetes, the glucose levels in the body of pregnant women shoot up considerably, both before and after the delivery of the child. Although the condition disappears after the delivery, it leaves the woman and also her child with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
4. Monogenic Diabetes
Cause: Caused by mutations in a single gene, and is much rarer than Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Characteristics: It includes forms like neonatal diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). Management often requires specific treatments depending on the type of mutation, and sometimes it can be treated with oral medications rather than insulin.
5. Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA):
A form of Type 1 diabetes that occurs more slowly in adults, often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. People with LADA have some autoimmune characteristics of Type 1 but also experience insulin resistance like Type 2. Management may begin with oral medications but eventually requires insulin therapy as the condition progresses.
6. Type 3c Diabetes (Pancreatogenic Diabetes):
Develops as a result of pancreatic diseases or conditions, such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or after surgery to remove part of the pancreas. Characteristics include the pancreas losing its ability to produce insulin due to damage.
To manage, insulin therapy is often required, along with management of the underlying pancreatic condition. Each type of diabetes has different management strategies, and it’s important to work closely with healthcare providers to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Summary
If you would like to get regular checkups, or questions about pimary medical care in San Pedro or your health in general, feel free to speak with our doctors at Prime Medical, the best primary care clinic in San Pedro with your most frequently needed services all on-site. Call (310) 548-0201.
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