Four Main Types Of Diabetes
There are four main types of Diabetes, as follows:
Type 1 diabetes – Occurs when the body fails to produce insulin, the hormone that “unlocks” the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. About 5-10% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, accounts for 10-15% of all people with the disease. It can appear at any age, although commonly under 40, and is triggered by environmental factors such as viruses, diet or chemicals in people genetically predisposed. People with type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin several times a day and follow a careful diet and exercise plan.
Type 2 diabetes – Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), and after several years, the insulin production decreases. Most people, about 90 – 95%, who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85-90% of all people with the disease. This type of diabetes, also known as late-onset diabetes, is characterised by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. The disease is strongly genetic in origin but lifestyle factors such as excess weight, inactivity, high blood pressure and poor diet are major risk factors for its development. Symptoms may not show for many years and, by the time they appear, significant problems may have developed. People with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer cardiovascular disease. Type 2 diabetes may be treated by dietary changes, exercise and/or tablets. Insulin injections may later be required.
Gestational diabetes – is a type of diabetes that only pregnant women get. If not treated, it can cause problems for mothers and babies. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a 20% to 50% chance of developing diabetes in the next 5-10 years.
Pre-diabetes – Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.