Diabetes Types: Overview on Types

of Diabetes

Major diabetes types may be classified into three; Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 preciously identified as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus accounts for 10-15% of diabetes cases. This is described as juvenile-onset diabetes, commonly occurring among the younger age group, particularly those below 40 y/o although it can also manifest in the elderly. This diabetic type is an auto-immune disease wherein the immune system of the body destroys the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetics must be injected with insulin several times a day. Healthy diet and exercise is strictly implemented.

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Type 2 previously identified as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes accounts for 85-90% of all cases. This is a more common form of diabetes and usually appears later in life thus classified as late-onset diabetes wherein by the time the symptoms manifest, problems may have developed. Although this diabetic type has genetic predisposition, lifestyle greatly contributes to its development. Obesity, unhealthy diet, hypertension and sedentary lifestyle are contributing factors to this diabetic type. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin which causes accumulation of glucose in the blood. Insulin is needed by the cells to convert glucose or blood sugar into energy. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, exercise, diet and insulin injections.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is described as carbohydrate intolerance among pregnant women. Risk factors for this diabetic type include increasing maternal age, obesity and family history of diabetes. Around 5.5% to 8.8% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. Carbohydrate intolerance may be resolved upon giving birth although the mother is already at risk of developing permanent diabetes while the baby may suffer from obesity, impairment in glucose tolerance and diabetes. Diet and activity may help in treatment.

In general, weight maintenance, exercise and diet are key factors in treatment of diabetes. Proper knowledge of diabetes types is important towards understanding the course of the condition.

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