There are three basic types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. All of these are similar in that they are metabolism disorders involving the pancreas, insulin regulation, and glucose. However, the causes for these types of diabetes are different and therefore they require somewhat different approaches when it comes to treatment.

Type 1 Diabetes

Of all the types of diabetes, type 1 is the most common in children. In fact it is most often diagnosed in children or young adults but it can strike at any age. Type 1 is considered an autoimmune disease because the body destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Therefore, the pancreas is unable to supply enough insulin to live. A person with type 1 must take insulin every day.

Thankfully, type 1 only accounts for up to ten percent of the types of diabetes cases in the U.S. today. The destruction of the insulin producing cells can happen slowly over time or this condition can develop quite suddenly for reasons that medical scientist do not fully understand. The symptoms of type 1 include increased urination, increased thirst, weight loss, constant hunger, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, and even person with diabetes coma.

Type 2 Diabetes

Of all types of diabetes, type 2 is the most common. Type 2 is linked to obesity, genetics, and physical inactivity. It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of people who have this type of diabetes are overweight. Due to the growing obesity epidemic among children today, type 2 is now being diagnosed among children and teens when it was once primarily seen with older ages.

With type 2, the pancreas produces a sufficient amount of insulin but for one reason or another, the body cannot utilize it. This is called insulin resistance. If this condition is allowed to linger for years, the pancreas begins to produce less and less insulin and the amount of glucose in the blood increases which results in person with diabetes symptoms.

Among the types of diabetes, type 2 has symptoms that develop the slowest. It is a chronic gradual development. The symptoms include frequent urination, frequent hunger, frequent thirst, blurred vision and wounds that are slow to heal. It is even possible to have type 2 and not know it. Treatment for this type of diabetes includes diet, exercise, and medications if necessary including insulin.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes in pregnant women. Gestational diabetes strikes up to eight percent of pregnancies in the U.S. today. It usually goes away after the woman gives birth but indicates she is at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is a condition of a shortage of insulin. This could be cause by pregnancy hormones that interfere with its production or utilization. Women who have gestational diabetes may not experience symptoms but if left unchecked, increased glucose levels could cause complications with the pregnancy, delivery, or harm the unborn baby.

These three main types of diabetes require medical attention and proper treatment to prevent serious complications from arising. Diabetes that is untreated could result in blindness, limb amputation, and even death. Diabetes is no longer a disease of old people. It can strike anyone at any age. Thankfully there are many effective forms of treatment available today that make it easier for those with diabetes to lead normal productive lives.

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