The Different Types of Diabetes

Author: Leslie Hughes

Diabetes affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. Chances are good that you or someone you know has been affected by it.

But what exactly is diabetes? And why is it so important to understand the different types?

Whether you’re looking to recognize early symptoms and signs, support a loved one, or make informed choices for your health, understanding the different types of diabetes is a key first step toward better health.

A Growing Health Concern

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that’s characterized by elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). This happens because the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces.

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows glucose (sugar) from the food we eat to be used as energy. When this process is disrupted (diabetes), glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to health issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 38 million people in the U.S. had diabetes in 2021, and an estimated 96 million U.S. adults had pre-diabetes.

These are significant numbers and show why understanding this condition is so important.

The Different Types of Diabetes

Most diabetes cases can be categorized as one of the following types:

● Pre-diabetes

● Type 1 diabetes

● Type 2 diabetes

● Gestational diabetes

Pre-Diabetes

Think of pre-diabetes as a warning sign. It’s a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.

There aren’t obvious symptoms and signs of pre-diabetes, which is why it’s sometimes called “silent.” However, recognizing that you might be at risk is key.

Here are some factors that increase your risk:

● Being overweight

● Having a family history of type 2 diabetes

● Sedentary lifestyle

● History of gestational diabetes

But there’s good news! Pre-diabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. This can help potentially prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

The result? The body makes little to no insulin. So, people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to survive.

This type of diabetes usually develops in children and young adults, but it can happen at any age. The exact causes of type 1 diabetes are not fully understood. But it’s thought that genetic and environmental factors play a role.

Common symptoms and signs to look for are:

● Frequent urination

● Excessive thirst

● Unexplained weight loss

● Increased hunger

● Fatigue

Type 2 Diabetes

This is the most common form of diabetes. As of 2021, 426 million adults in the U.S. had type 2 diabetes.

In this kind of diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the cells become resistant to the insulin that’s produced. This means glucose struggles to enter the cells.

At first, the pancreas tries to make more insulin to overcome this resistance. But, over time, it might not be able to keep up, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is often preventable and is linked to lifestyle factors such as:

● Being overweight or obese

● Physical inactivity

● Unhealthy diet

Research shows that genetics also play a big role.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and might include:

● Increased thirst

● Increased urination

● Increased hunger

● Fatigue

● Blurred vision

● Slow-healing sores

Not everyone experiences these symptoms at first, though. Some people have no noticeable symptoms for a long time.

Because of the prevalence of this condition, new treatments for type 2 diabetes are emerging. And currently, the spotlight is on GLP-1 receptor agonists. Ozempic is an example of this.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone that helps lower blood sugar levels. It does so in a few different ways — by:

Stimulating insulin release
Suppressing glucagon secretion (another hormone that raises blood sugar)
Slowing down gastric emptying (the process of food emptying out of your stomach)
Increasing feelings of fullness

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic the effects of this hormone. And they’ve become an important part of managing type 2 diabetes.

Gestastional Diabetes

This type of diabetes can pop up during pregnancy in women who don’t have a history of diabetes. It happens when the body can’t make enough insulin to meet the increased needs of pregnancy. And this leads to high blood sugar levels.

While gestational diabetes usually resolves itself after the baby is born, it also increases the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It can also pose risks to the baby.

Women are usually screened for gestational diabetes during pregnancy and management includes dietary changes, exercise, and sometimes insulin therapy.

Understanding Blood Sugar Levels

Regardless of the type of diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is key to preventing complications. So it’s important to have some information on how blood sugar functions in the body. .

Normal blood sugar levels vary throughout the day and are influenced by things like meals, physical activity, and stress.

People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly using a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring system.

What Causes Diabetes

The causes of diabetes vary depending on the type.

● Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: These are often linked to a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors like overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diet.

● Type 1 diabetes: The exact cause for this autoimmune response isn’t clear, but it likely involves genetic and environmental factors.

● Gestational diabetes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance. Women who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes are also at a higher risk.

The Symptoms and Signs of Diabetes

Being aware of the potential signs of diabetes is important for early detection and management.

While they can vary depending on the type and each individual, some common symptoms and signs include:

● Frequent urination

● Excessive thirst

● Increased hunger

● Unexplained weight loss

● Fatigue

● Blurred vision

● Slow-healing sores

● Frequent infections

● Darkening of the skin in the armpits and neck (acanthosis nigricans)

If you notice any of the above, talk to your healthcare provider for proper diagnoses and treatment.

Diabetes-Friendly Foods

Managing diabetes involves making smart food choices to help regulate blood sugar levels. The best foods for diabetes create a balanced diet that’s rich in:

● Non-starchy vegetables

● Lean proteins

● Whole grains

● Healthy fats

● Fruits (in moderation)

You want to avoid heavily processed foods and sugary treats and drinks.

When your sweet tooth strikes, look for no added sugar options and diabetes friendly snacks Keto Pint Ice Cream and Keto Pint Ice Cream Bars. These are a great option for managing your blood sugar levels.

Here are things we can do to make informed choices about our health when it comes to diabetes: