Types Of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes.

Type 1

This is the so called insulin-dependent diabetes (approximately 15% of diabetics) and people with this type of diabetes need to get insulin injections because their bodies don't produce it naturally. When diagnosed, most of the type I diabetics are under 40 years of age and are usually thin. Symptoms are very evident and appear suddenly.

Type 2

This type is non-insulin dependent diabetes (approximately 85% of diabetics). In this case, people's bodies produce some insulin, but not enough or it does not function appropriately. When diagnosed, most type II diabetics are over 40 years of age and overweight. The symptoms aren't very explicit and tend to appear gradually. Type II diabetes can sometimes be controlled with a carefully planned diet, although pills and insulin injections may be necessary. 

Gestational Diabetes

This type is diagnosed in some women during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. In some cases, having had gestational diabetes increases the risk of getting type 2 in the future.

Other Types of Diabetes

Other types of diabetes of diabetes result from specific genetic conditions (such as maturity-onset diabetes of youth), surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses. Such types of diabetes may account for 1% to 5% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.