Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a potent disease. Today, it has become a very common disease among several adults (both men and women) worldwide. Diabetes is a health condition where the blood sugar levels in your body becomes high; this is because your body cells become incapable of producing insulin. Diabetes if left untreated can create several health problems. Hence, it is important to seek treatment immediately as soon you notice any symptoms. However, a key to proper treatment is to recognize the type of diabetes you are suffering from.

Over the years, different types of diabetes have been known by different names. The doctors and researchers have recognized the unique characteristics, symptoms and diagnosis for different types of diabetes. The different types of diabetes are mainly divided into 3 types, Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes.

The 3 types of diabetes are described below in detail:

Type 1 diabetes:

This type of diabetes was previously known as Insulin Depending Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), it was also known as juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common types of diabetes. This type of diabetes mainly occurs when the pancreas become incapable of producing insulin. Typically, this form of diabetes is more prominent among adults; however, today a large number of youth are also becoming victim of Type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most dreaded types of diabetes, this is because once the disease develops in your body it becomes a lifetime condition. Experts suggest that this type of diabetes can not be treated simply by altering your diet intake or making changes to your lifestyle but can only be controlled.

People suffering form Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin externally either through injections or through an insulin pump with a catheter inserted beneath the skin. The insulin is injected so that the body functions properly and the glucose in the body is used properly and stored.

Although the real cause of Type 1 diabetes is not fully understood yet, experts suggest that it mainly occurs due to autoimmunity, a health condition in which the body becomes incapable of recognizing its cells. In Type 1 diabetes, body tends to attack the beta cells present in the pancreases and destroy its insulin producing ability. Type 1 diabetes can also be caused due to environmental and genetic factors.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes is one of the other popular types of diabetes. This type of diabetes is also known as non insulin dependent mellitus diabetes or adult onset diabetes. Typically, this type of diabetes occurs when the body does not recognize the insulin that pancreas secrete. Type 2 diabetes is the most common types of diabetes among the adults aged above 21 years. This is a type of diabetes that starts with insulin resistance in the body and leads to situation in, which the pancreas become incapable of producing sufficient insulin required by the body to maintain proper blood sugar levels.

The basic cause of this type of diabetes is associated with the consumption of diet that has high sugar content and lack of exercise. Sometimes even environmental factors such as constant exposure to the POP (Persistent Organic Pollutants) can also play a role in development of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the major types of diabetes that is found in people with excessive body weight or when they are in their old age. A person with a family history of this type of diabetes is more vulnerable to develop this type of diabetes at some point or another in their life. Unlike, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be treated in the early stages itself by making alteration to daily diet intake and lifestyle habits.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs mainly in women in their latter stages of pregnancy due to lack of insulin in their body. Since the placenta supports the fetus, it produces certain hormones. These hormones hinder the mother’s ability to produce sufficient insulin for their body use. It is important to control this type of diabetes as soon as it is detected. This is mainly because; to prevent baby from getting the disease. Typically, this type of diabetes disappears once the mother delivers the baby.

Irrespective of the types of diabetes you suffer from, immediate medication and proper diet along with regular exercise can help you deal with the problem better and get rid of the disease altogether.