Types of Diabetes



In recent years, diabetes has become one of the most common medical issues affecting millions of people. With that said, medical technology has waged a battle in combating this world wide problem by investing in more research and education about this disease. With the passage of time, the varying types of diabetes has been called by different names as their characteristics do differ. They are identified in three seperate categories, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Below, you will find additional information explaining these types in futher detail.

Type 1 diabetes
People with Type 1 Diabetes do not produce insulin. This form of diabetes usually develops in childhood or young adulthood. It was once referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes because of this fact. It is normally a lifelong condition that usually cannot be treated solely with diet or lifestyle modifications. Type 1 diabetes patients need insulin in order to store and use glucose. Because of this fact, it was also referred to as insulin dependent diabetes. The insulin can be delivered in several ways whether by injection, by pump, or through oral medications.

Type 2 diabetes
People with Type 2 Diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the cells do not recognize the insulin therefore rejecting the glucose. This type was also know as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes, considered to be occurring in epidemic proportions in today’s world. Because it can arise with minimal outward signs or symptoms, millions of people do not realize they have it. Type 2 diabetes can affect people of any age, even children. It begins with insulin resistance and leads to a situation similar to type 1 diabetes in which the pancreas cannot secrete enough insulin. Your cells start off being unable to use the insulin being produced and eventually your pancreas stops making it.

Gestational diabetes
This is a form of insulin resistance that occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. It is normally found for the first time in a woman’s pregnancy.

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