Understanding the Different Types of Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, with prediabetes often coming before a diagnosis.

However, there are several other types of diabetes that are equally important to understand, as they each have unique causes, risk factors, and management strategies.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the various types of diabetes.

Prediabetes (common)

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is a critical warning sign that you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. People may live with prediabetes for over 10 years before getting a diagnosis.

People with prediabetes can often prevent or delay the onset of diabetes through lifestyle changes, especially with changes to diet and nutrition, along with increased physical activity, and weight loss.

In fact, with a focus on quality nutrition and being proactive, you can reverse your prediabetes and return to normal.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important for managing prediabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes (common)

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90-95% of all diabetes cases.

It usually develops in adults over the age of 40 and affects those between 55 and 80 years the most. But it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people, including children, adolescents, and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. Over time, the pancreas may also produce less insulin, though this is less common.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, physical inactivity, poor quality nutrition, and a family history of diabetes.

Management includes nutrition and lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin. However, once you have type 2 diabetes, you can reverse it and go into what’s called diabetes remission.

And if you are taking medications, this does not mean you will take them forever, you can reduce and get off medications.

View key symptoms and risk factors of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes here.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

This type of diabetes typically appears in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop in adults.

People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump for the rest of their lives to manage their blood sugar levels.

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child.

This type of diabetes is diagnosed through prenatal screening and is managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin or other medications.

Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)

MODY is a rare form of diabetes that is often inherited and usually presents in adolescence or early adulthood. It is caused by mutations in one of several genes involved in insulin production or regulation.

Unlike type 1 and type 2 diabetes, MODY is not typically associated with obesity or insulin resistance.

Management of MODY varies depending on the specific genetic mutation but may include lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

Sometimes referred to as type 1.5 diabetes, LADA is a form of autoimmune diabetes that occurs in adults. It shares features of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes initially.

People with LADA typically do not require insulin at diagnosis but may need it as the disease progresses. Diagnosis can be confirmed through specific antibody tests.

Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM)

NDM is a rare form of diabetes that occurs in the first six months of life. It can be transient (disappearing during infancy and sometimes reappearing later) or permanent.

NDM is caused by genetic mutations affecting insulin production. Treatment depends on the specific genetic cause but may include insulin or oral medications that stimulate insulin production.

Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD)

CFRD occurs in individuals with cystic fibrosis. It combines elements of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is caused by the thick, sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis, which can damage the pancreas.

Management of CFRD includes insulin therapy and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, along with nutritional support tailored to the needs of individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Steroid-Induced Diabetes

Steroid-induced diabetes can develop in individuals who are taking glucocorticoid medications, such as prednisone, which can raise blood sugar levels.

This type of diabetes is typically managed by adjusting the steroid dose, implementing nutrition and lifestyle changes, and sometimes using diabetes medications or insulin.

Monogenic Diabetes

Monogenic diabetes results from a mutation in a single gene. Unlike type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which involve multiple genetic and environmental factors, monogenic diabetes is directly inherited in a straightforward manner.

MODY is a subtype of monogenic diabetes. Diagnosis is confirmed through genetic testing, and management varies based on the specific genetic mutation involved.

Secondary Diabetes

Secondary diabetes is a result of another medical condition or treatment. Conditions such as pancreatic diseases, hormonal disorders, and certain medications can lead to secondary diabetes.

Management focuses on treating the underlying condition and may include diabetes medications or insulin.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of diabetes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, as management strategies can vary significantly between types.

Whether it’s the common forms like type 1 and type 2 diabetes or the less common types like MODY and LADA, recognizing the specific characteristics and treatment needs of each type can lead to better health outcomes for individuals living with diabetes.

If you suspect you have any form of diabetes, it’s essential to consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and management.

REDUCE YOUR RISK. Take our Prediabetes Reset Program – it is also beneficial to lose weight and reset your metabolism! And of course, it helps people with prediabetes get back to normal and avoid a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

For all other types of diabetes, consider joining us as a member – for comprehensive support to change your health!