Diabetes

Types of Diabetes

There are several types of diabetes, with the most common forms including:

• Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas for unknown reasons. It accounts for up to 10% of diabetes cases and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can develop at any age.

• Type 2 Diabetes

This type occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance). It is the most prevalent type of diabetes, mainly affecting adults, though children can also develop it.

• Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, where blood glucose levels are higher than usual but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.

• Gestational Diabetes

This type develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. However, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for those affected.

Other Types of Diabetes

• Type 3c Diabetes

This form occurs when the pancreas is damaged by conditions such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, or hemochromatosis, affecting its ability to produce insulin. Removal of the pancreas (pancreatectomy) also leads to Type 3c diabetes.

• Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

LADA is similar to Type 1 diabetes but develops more slowly. It usually affects people over the age of 30.

• Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)

Also known as monogenic diabetes, MODY is caused by an inherited genetic mutation that affects insulin production and use. There are over ten types of MODY, which often runs in families and affects up to 5% of people with diabetes.

• Neonatal Diabetes

This rare form of diabetes occurs within the first six months of life and is a type of monogenic diabetes. Approximately 50% of babies with neonatal diabetes have a permanent form called permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus, while the other 50% experience a transient form that can disappear but may return later in life.

Causes of diabetes

1. Insulin Resistance:

Type 2 diabetes primarily results from insulin resistance, where muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond appropriately to insulin. Contributing factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and certain medications.

2. Autoimmune Disease:

Type 1 diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) occur when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

3. Hormonal Imbalances:

During pregnancy, the placenta releases hormones that cause insulin resistance. If the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to compensate, gestational diabetes may develop.

4. Pancreatic Damage:

Damage to the pancreas from conditions, surgery, or injury can impair its ability to produce insulin, resulting in Type 3c diabetes.

5. Genetic Mutations:

Specific genetic mutations can cause Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) and neonatal diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

General Symptoms (Common to Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes)

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb the excess glucose, leading to increased thirst and frequent urination.

2. Extreme Hunger: Despite eating more, people with diabetes often feel hungry because the body’s cells are not getting the glucose they need.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss: Even though one may be eating more, the body may start burning muscle and fat for energy since it’s not getting enough glucose.

4. Fatigue: When cells are deprived of glucose, one can feel very tired and weak.

5. Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can pull fluid from the eyes' lenses, affecting the ability to focus.

6. Slow-Healing Sores and Frequent Infections: Diabetes can affect the body's ability to heal and fight infections.

7. Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet: High blood sugar can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness.

Symptoms Specific to Type 1 Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes symptoms can develop quickly, over a few weeks or even days.
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-scented breath, and rapid breathing. DKA is a severe complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening.

Symptoms Specific to Type 2 Diabetes

• Gradual Onset of Symptoms: Symptoms may develop slowly and can be mild, sometimes going unnoticed for years.
• Darkened Skin Area: Some people with type 2 diabetes may have dark, velvety skin patches in the folds and creases of their bodies, usually in the armpits and neck. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans and is a sign of insulin resistance.