Types of Diabetes

There are a number of different types of diabetes, characterised both by the type of problem within the body and the age or time at which the diabetes becomes apparent. Type 1 diabetes mellitus or IDDM as it used to be known has a number of causes, the most common being auto-immune destruction of the β cells within the pancreas. This prevents insulin from being released into the blood when blood sugar levels rise. This type of the disease has its onset in childhood, peaking around puberty.

Type 2 diabetes or NIDDM as it was previously known mainly occurs in overweight and obese people, or people of older age. It becomes apparent when the cells of the body no longer respond to the insulin that is produced by the β cells of the pancreas. This prevents the cells of the body from absorbing glucose from the blood.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to diabetes that becomes evident during the childbearing or pregnancy period. Diabetes diagnosed before pregnancy is not gestational in nature. Just like type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is due to the insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas. Women who suffer gestational diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes later in life.

Below is a list of the different types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• MODY Diabetes
• Diabetes Insipidus

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