Types of Diabetes

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary on the blood sugar type. Symptoms are not usually identified early in the type 2 diabetes, but are quick in the case of type 1 diabetes.

Some of the signs and symptoms include:

• Increase in hunger and thirst
• Excessive urination
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Slow healing sores
• Frequent infections to the gums, skin or vaginal area
• Vision problems

TYPES OF DIABETES

Diabetes is mainly of 4 types:

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Prediabetes
4. Gestational diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

This is a type of autoimmune disease, meaning your body attacks itself, resulting in no production of insulin.

It is also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes. It usually develops in children, teens and young adults however, it can also occur at any age.

This type of diabetes is less common than type 2 diabetes i.e. it comprises of just 5-10% of diabetic population. It can be treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments.

Type 2 diabetes

With this type, your body either produces insufficient insulin or your body cell’s fail to respond to insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes seen in adults (up to 95% of diabetic population), however it is also observed to be developing in teens and young adults.

Prediabetes

This is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not close enough for it to be categorized as type 2 diabetes.

It is usually seen in adults who are overweight and are aged 45 or above.

Gestational diabetes

This type develops in some women during pregnancy. Blood sugar levels are usually under control after pregnancy, whereas some women go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

DIABETES RISK FACTORS

Common risk factors of diabetes include:

• Overweight or obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Family history
• Age (usually above 45)
• Gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• High blood pressure
• Environmental factors (some viral illnesses play role in development of type 1)
• Weaker immune system
• High cholesterol levels

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis to find out any blood sugar type can be done with the help of diabetes tests, such as:

• HbA1c test
• Fasting blood sugar test
• Random blood sugar test

Treatment includes monitoring your diabetes to achieve and sustain normal blood sugar levels with the help of medication, healthy diet and physical activity.