9 Types of diabetes
There are 9 types of diabetes, there are:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Type 3c diabetes
- Monogenic Diabetes
- Latent Autoimmune diabetes in Adults (LADA)
- Steroid-induced diabetes
- Cystic fibrosis diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease of the body, which attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Treatment involves insulin therapy and lifestyle changes
Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of all diabetes cases. It occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the body becomes resistant to insulin. Symptoms are similar to those of type 1 diabetes. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthful diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress. In some cases, medication may be necessary to help manage and lower your blood sugar levels
Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops only when a woman pregnant. Symptoms are similar to those of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Treatment involves managing blood sugar levels through diet and exercise.
Prediabetes: This condition is characterized by one’s blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but are not as high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes and can be managed through lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
Type 3c diabetes is a form of secondary diabetes that develops due to damage or disease affecting the pancreas. Here are the key points about type 3c diabetes: It is caused by damage or disease in the pancreas, rather than an autoimmune attack (type 1) or insulin resistance (type 2).
Common causes OF Type 3c diabetes may include chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and hemochromatosis.
The pancreas’s damage affects its ability to produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It can also impair the pancreas’s ability to produce digestive enzymes, leading to digestive issues
Monogenic Diabetes: This is a less common type of diabetes caused by a change in a single gene. It can also occur due to damage to the pancreas from conditions such as cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis3.
Each type of diabetes requires specific treatment and management strategies, and prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a form of diabetes that as some clinical features similar to both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). It is characterized by adult-onset diabetes and the presence of circulating autoimmune antibodies, leading to a diagnosis that can be challenging due to a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and awareness among healthcare providers.
Steroid-induced diabetes, also known as steroid diabetes, is a condition where the use of glucocorticoids (steroids) increases blood glucose levels. This condition is more similar to type 2 diabetes than type 1 diabetes, as it is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin.
Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD) is a distinct form of diabetes that affects individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is characterized by both insulin deficiency and intermittent insulin resistance, making it a unique disease process that combines elements of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Among the US population overall, crude estimates for 2018 were:
• 34.2 million people of all ages—or 10.5% of the US population—had diabetes
- 37.3 million people, or 11.3% of the U.S. population, have diabetes. An estimated 28.7 million people – had diagnosed diabetes. Approximately 8.6 million people have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed.
- 26.4 million people aged 65 years or older (48.8%) have prediabetes.
It became the 8th most common cause of death. there were 103,294 deaths in 2021.
Diabetes affected approximately 84.1 million persons. In 2014, more than 422 million people worldwide were diagnosed with diabetes.
Diabetes encompasses a wide range of conditions that are often diagnosed based on their kind.
Each type differs in terms of what causes it, how it’s treated, and the headaches it might cause.
Here’s a fast rundown of each type of diabetes: definitions, a few basic statistics, and how common each type is in the United States and around the world.
Diabetes Fasting Blood Glucose Test
A fasting blood glucose test is a crucial diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. Here are the key points about the test:
Normal Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
- Normal Levels: A fasting blood glucose level of less than 99 mg/dL is considered normal.
- Prediabetes: Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, while levels of 6.5% or higher diagnose diabetes.
Preparation and Procedure
- Fasting: The test requires fasting for at least 8 hours before the test. This means not eating or drinking anything except water during the fasting period
- Blood Sample: A healthcare professional takes a blood sample from a vein in the arm, and the blood glucose level is measured.
- Timing: For a fasting blood glucose test, the blood sample is taken in the morning, typically after an overnight fast.
Interpretation of Results
- High Levels: High fasting blood glucose levels can indicate insulin resistance or diabetes. Abnormally low levels may be caused by diabetes medications.
- Target Levels: For people with diabetes, the target fasting blood glucose levels are 80–130 mg/dL, while for those without diabetes, it is 72–99 mg/dL.
Importance of Fasting Blood Glucose Tests
- Diagnosis: Fasting blood glucose tests are used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring of fasting blood glucose levels helps manage diabetes and prevent complications.
Risks and Side Effects
- Minimal Risks: The test carries minimal risks, including slight pain or bruising at the site of the blood draw.
Variations in Testing
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test involves drinking a sugary solution and measuring blood glucose levels at specific intervals to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): This method involves wearing a monitor 24 hours a day to record blood glucose levels continuously, providing a more comprehensive understanding of glucose fluctuations
Overall, the fasting blood glucose test is a simple and effective way to assess glucose levels and diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. It is essential for individuals with diabetes to monitor their fasting blood glucose levels regularly to manage their condition effectively
Pre-diabetes and insulin resistance
Prediabetes is a pre-diabetic condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes. To comprehend why you must first comprehend how the body turns sugar (or glucose) into energy.
Food and beverages are the main sources of glucose in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps blood glucose reach your muscles, fat, and liver as energy.
When your body cannot efficiently utilize insulin, your pancreas generates extra insulin to overcome this resistance.
However, if your pancreas is unable to match the demand, hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, occurs.
insulin resistance is the most common cause of pre-diabetes, however, the origins of insulin resistance are unknown.
Some of the established risk factors include family history, advancing age, being overweight, and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
There are various tests that can be used to determine whether or not you have diabetes.
The hemoglobin A1C test, which indicates how much glucose binds to hemoglobin in your red blood cells on average during the previous three months, is one approach to monitor blood glucose levels.
A1C levels should be less than 5.7 percent in order to be considered normal.
You have prediabetes if your A1C is between 5.7 and 6.4 percent. You have diabetes if your blood sugar level is 6.5 percent or higher.
However, lifestyle adjustments such as eating a nutritious diet can help you get your blood glucose levels back to normal.
To keep your blood sugar in check, eat smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, decreasing just 7% of your body weight (or more than 200 pounds if you’re over 200 pounds) will help you cut your risk of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
Burden on Economies
Diabetes is a costly disease, with estimated annual direct healthcare costs worldwide of up to $286 billion. It also incurs significant medical costs, with individuals with diabetes incurring costs that are two to five times higher than those without diabetes2.
Prevalence: Diabetes is a growing epidemic, with over 537 million adults worldwide having diabetes. This number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045
9 Types of diabetes conclusion
Diabetes is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
With nine distinct types identified, including the common Type 1 and Type 2, as well as less known varieties like LADA and Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes, it’s clear that diabetes management requires personalized approaches.
The global prevalence of diabetes is alarming, with projections indicating a significant increase in the coming decades.
This rise not only impacts individual health but also places a substantial burden on healthcare systems and economies.
Understanding the different types of diabetes, their causes, and management strategies is crucial for effective prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
As research continues, it’s essential to stay informed about diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk and manage the condition effectively.
