Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes accounts for up to 10% of diagnosed diabetes in the US. It results when the body’s immune system turns against the pancreas. The immune system will destroy the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas; therefore patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live. Known as “juvenile diabetes”, Type 1 diabetes occurs most frequently in children and young adults, however scientists are still not sure what causes the immune system to attack the beta cells. Some symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include increased thirst, urination, and constant hunger, blurred vision and extreme fatigue. Without their daily dose of insulin, patients can fall into a diabetic coma known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Type 1 diabetes can only be treated with insulin, but a great emphasis is placed on lifestyle decisions, such as diet and exercise. Although type 1 diabetes occurs more frequently in whites than non-whites, it will occur equally between men and women.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and can develop at any stage in life, but is most common among the elderly, obese, or those with family history of diabetes. Up to 95% of diabetic patients have type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually does create enough insulin, but the body cannot use the insulin correctly. This is known as insulin resistance. After many years, the body’s insulin production decreases, glucose builds up in the blood, and the body cannot use glucose as fuel- a similar outcome to that of type 1 diabetes. Although some patients do not show symptoms, some will suffer from weight loss, blurred vision, and frequent urination, thirst and hunger.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes, also known as type 3 diabetes, will develop late into a woman’s pregnancy, usually caused by pregnancy hormones or shortage of insulin. After birth, gestational diabetes will usually disappear, but these women will have a 20-50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5-10 years.

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Related Topics...

• Diabetes Overview
• Diagnosing Diabetes
• Types of Diabetes
• Managing Diabetes
• Researching and Curing Diabetes
• Symptoms and Signs of Diabetes
• Complications of Diabetes