Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is not a single disease but a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Understanding the main types of diabetes helps in recognizing the causes and treatment approaches more effectively.
Main Types of Diabetes
- The Autoimmune Condition: This type accounts for about 5–10% of all diabetes cases. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Insulin Resistance: This occurs when the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream. It is often linked to physical inactivity and excess body weight.
- Gestational Diabetes: This form develops only during pregnancy in women who have never had diabetes before. If untreated, it can affect the health of both the mother and the developing baby.
Secondary Types of Diabetes
- Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): A rare form of diabetes that develops at a young age, usually caused by genetic mutations affecting insulin production.
- Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): A slow-developing form of Type 1 diabetes that appears in adulthood and is often mistaken for Type 2 diabetes.
These classifications show that diabetes is a complex condition with multiple causes and forms. Understanding the differences can help in early diagnosis, prevention, and management of this chronic condition.
