What Are the Different Types of Diabetes?

There are primarily 3 different types of diabetes that are common worldwide - type 1, type 2, & gestational diabetes. You might face this condition primarily because either your body is unable to produce insulin, or it is unable to use the already existing insulin present in the body.

Some of the other types of diabetes are Neonatal diabetes, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), Alstrom Syndrome, Steroid-induced diabetes, Latent Autoimmune diabetes in Adults (LADA), Cystic fibrosis diabetes, Type 3c diabetes, & Wolfram Syndrome.

Very few people, close to 2%, suffer from other types of diabetes. The symptoms vary for every diabetes.

Here is a detailed insight on, ‘how many types of diabetes’ are there!

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Due to this disease, your immune system attacks the cells in your pancreas & prevents the production of insulin. The primary causes of getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are genetic, lifestyle and environmental reasons.

For smooth function of the system, we need insulin in our body. Exploring different medications (recommended by experts) and changing your lifestyle is the right way to manage your condition.

Type 2 diabetes

In this condition, your pancreas is unable to produce insulin in enough quantity to meet your body’s daily needs. This causes a significant spike in your overall sugar levels.

By following the right treatment and taking daily care, you can live a healthy life with type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of progression.

Ideally, individuals over 40 develop this condition. However, because of our modern lifestyle, even young adults have become prone to developing type 2 diabetes.

Not taking proactive steps to measure this condition will further lead to escalation in issues in our heart, eyes, and feet.

Gestational diabetes

Whenever a woman is pregnant, the body often releases an insulin-blocking hormone. This causes a spike in sugar levels and leads to a condition known as gestational diabetes.

You are more prone to developing gestational diabetes if you have a pre-existing condition and have a family history of diabetes.

Close to 50% of people who suffer from gestational diabetes go on to develop type-2 diabetes. The condition often goes away as soon as your pregnancy phase is over.

Neonatal diabetes

When a child is under the age of 6 months, they might face neonatal diabetes. The condition is not caused due to immune dysfunction. It occurs due to a change in a gene that damages the insulin production in the body.

Neonatal diabetes is a very rare occurrence. It is easy to treat compared to other diabetes conditions and can also be reversed.

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY)

MODY is extremely rare in occurrence and completely different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

It occurs because of mutation in a single gene transferred by any one of the parents to their child. If a parent has this gene, then there is 50% chances that their child might get the condition too.

The most common types of MODY are HNF1-alpha, HNF1-beta, HNF4-alpha, & Glucokinase.

Wolfram Syndrome

This is a rare genetic disorder widely renowned as DIDMOAD syndrome, named after its 4 common features, primarily, Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness.

Some common symptoms of the condition are renal issues, deafness, chronic fatigue, and neurological problems.

There is no specific test to diagnose Wolfram Syndrome. So, whenever you are experiencing diabetes mellitus and optic atrophy symptoms, you might be facing this condition.

Latent Autoimmune diabetes in Adults (LADA)

Many people call this condition type 1.5 diabetes or type 1 ½ diabetes.

Wondering why?

It is because the symptoms of LADA diabetes are like type 1 and type 2 diabetes. You will experience more symptoms of the former as compared to the latter.

Some common symptoms of LADA are frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, and weight loss. It has yet to be defined as a different type of diabetes primarily due to lack of research.

However, in medical fraternity, it is already a common term.

Type 3c diabetes

Whenever your pancreas is damaged by another disease which leads to reduction in insulin production, it is known as type 3c diabetes.

Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis also known as haemochromatosis are the primary condition related to type 3c diabetes.

The primary symptoms of type 3c diabetes are stomach pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and fatigue. If you face any of these signs, then speak to your expert to get a detailed understanding.

Cystic fibrosis diabetes

This condition most commonly occurs in individuals that have cystic fibrosis. It can also lead to type 2 or type 1 diabetes.

Cystic fibrosis diabetes, if not taken care of, can easily lead to scarring of the pancreas and inflammation.

Weight loss, frequent urination, and constant thirst are some of the common symptoms of cystic fibrosis diabetes.

Steroid-induced diabetes

Individuals who take steroids are susceptible to high sugar levels. Steroids, in general, tend to prevent glucose from being absorbed in the body and reduce the body’s insulin sensitivity.

This condition is usually temporary in nature. Once you stop intake of steroids, your well-being will get restored to what it was before.

In case you do wish to continue with steroids, make sure you check your health vitals frequently and stay in touch with a trusted expert.

Potential complications caused due diabetes

Complications seldom occur instantly. They usually show up in your body after high sugar levels have been left unchecked in your body for a long time.

It can cause significant damage internally to your organs.

So, take a note these complications and make sure you take proactive steps in managing diabetes as early as possible.

• Vessel contraction leading to heart conditions
• Infection or skin conditions
• Kidney damage (nephropathy)
• Eye problems (retinopathy)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)

In case you are a pregnant woman, please look out for these complications.

• High blood pressure
• Miscarriage
• Preeclampsia
• Stillbirth
• Birth defects

If you are one of those who constantly wonder, “how many types of diabetes exist currently?” or “how many types of sugar disease are present?” Then scan through the article to get detailed insights.

We have covered all types of diabetes that affect our body. Stay aware and on the lookout of these complications to ensure you live a healthy and safe life.

FAQs

1) What are the 3ps of diabetes?

Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are the 3ps of diabetes. They are the most common symptoms. Polyuria means constant urge to urinate, polyphagia means excessive hunger, and polydipsia is excessive need for water/ thirst.

2) What are the 4 types of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and MODY diabetes are the 4 key types of diabetes known to us.

3) What is type 5 diabetes?

MODY 5 is often known as type 5 diabetes.

4) What is type 1.5 diabetes called?

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) is known as 1.5 diabetes.

5) Is diabetes permanent?

In case you are suffering from type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, it is permanent. The remaining ones can be managed or sometimes reversed once the root cause has been dealt with.