Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a life-long disease, which can also turn out to be life threatening if proper care is not taken.



Diabetes can occur at any age but varying on the types of diabetes, the causes, cure and diagnosis change.

There are three main types namely: -

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Gestational diabetes
   

Type 1 Diabetes:

It is a chronic disease having no cure and an unknown cause. This diabetes type is usually seen in people younger than the age of 30 when the pancreas produces little or no insulin. The glucose cannot be absorbed by the various cells in the body to produce energy so it gets deposited in the body.



This increases the sugar levels and after 5 - 10 years the pancreas gets destroyed and can no longer produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes is seen in majority of the diabetes patients. In this type of diabetes, there is a condition called as Insulin resistance. It occurs in the older age group and is seen especially in obese people.



The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, fatigue, increased appetite, slow healing wounds and impotency in men.

Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed in pregnant women mainly between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. In this diabetes type the glucose levels in the body of pregnant women increases beyond the normal levels. Although the symptoms are not severe and non life-threatening, there is risk to the baby.



Frequent urination and thirst, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, weight loss inspite of increased hunger and appetite, fatigue are all the symptoms of gestational diabetes. The chances are likely that obese women with gestational diabetes develop diabetes within 5-10 years of pregnancy.

Treatment for diabetes types:

Diagnosis is the key part for all these types of diabetes. To cure these types of diabetes it is necessary to have a balanced diet to regulate glucose levels after consulting a nutritionist or dietician who will lay down an appropriate diet plan.



Burning excess fats and calories by regular exercises helps to keep the glucose levels in control. Type 1 diabetes patients must take the insulin injections daily and pay special attention to maintain balance and timing between the food and insulin taken.

Severe cases of diabetes type 2 and gestational diabetes may require insulin medication / dosage to some extent.



Blood sugar levels should be self-monitored by the diabetic person himself/ herself at regular intervals. Being aware about diabetes is one of the most important steps towards treating ones own diabetes better. Due to slow healing of wounds in diabetes, infections or injuries may become worse. Foot care is important since it is a tendency to neglect the feet portion in the whole body. Sometimes it may so happen that in the process of treating diabetes, the glucose levels can actually droop and become lower than the normal levels.