Delightful Diabetes # 3 Explain the Different Types of Diabetes

When we consider diabetes, it is important to remember that there are several main classes of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. (There are several more, but they are considerably less common than these.)

Type 1 diabetes, sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes, generally affects younger people, including children. Constant thirst, frequent urination and fatigue are some of the important signals that the person may have diabetes. These symptoms come on rather suddenly and without other warning. This type is the result of the body not producing insulin or not utilizing the insulin that is produced. One of the treatments is to administer insulin into the body, usually via injection, although other methods, such as inhalation therapy, are being aggressively researched. Type 1 diabetics must test their blood glucose (sugar) regularly to administer proper dosages of insulin throughout their day. Insulin pumps that monitor glucose and automatically administer proper amounts of diabetes are becoming more readily available today.

Type 2 diabetes generally affects older adults, but there are more and more cases of youth being affected, too. (The latter is probably caused by the increased obesity levels in younger people.) Symptoms are similar to type 1, except that they develop gradually. In fact, a large portion of people who actuallly have type 2 diabetes are not even aware of it - making this a “silent” disease. When it is caught early enough this class of diabetes can often be treated with controlled diet and exercise. Later stages can usually be treated with oral medications (pills). Again, testing of blood glucose is necessary, but more to be aware of blood sugar spikes and how diet affects them.

A temporary form of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This commonly occurs during pregancy, but usually disappears after the child is no longer being carried in the womb.



Testing and monitoring results over a period time by a doctor is necessary to make a proper diagnosis of diabetes, especially type 2. Generally 2 consecutive high blood glucose readings are required before one is deemed to have diabetes. At that point, a doctor may refer a patient to an endocrinologist to confirm the diagnosis, and to prescribe a treatment that is most appropriate to the individual.