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Types of Diabetes in Humans

Diabetes is a disease affecting millions of people, 24% of whom are unaware they are diabetic, according to statistics released in 2007 by the American Diabetes Association. There are two major types of diabetes and a pre-diabetic condition that can be monitored to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

  1. Type 1 Diabetes

    • Formerly known as juvenile diabetes due to its frequent diagnosis in children, type 1 diabetes occurs when your body cannot manufacture its own insulin. Insulin is a hormone responsible for processing the glucose, or sugar, found in food. When insulin is unable to process glucose, you might feel weak or constantly hungry even though you are eating regularly. The Signs section below discusses common symptoms associated with diabetes. Because patients with type 1 diabetes are incapable of producing insulin, they must take insulin either through an insulin pump or daily injections.

    Type 2 Diabetes

    • In type 2 diabetes, your body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot properly process this insulin. The American Diabetes Association finds that "Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population." Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be managed by a healthy diet and exercise as discussed in the Prevention section.

      Pre-diabetes is a condition that will lead to type 2 diabetes unless treated. Pre-diabetes is defined as blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, though too low to garner a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. People who are pre-diabetic can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes through the lifestyle changes reviewed below.

    Gestational Diabetes

    • Pregnant women with high blood sugar levels may develop gestational diabetes. While gestational diabetes frequently subsides with the birth of a baby, it is likely to develop in future pregnancies and can have adverse health effects on your child. Additionally, these women may develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

    Signs

    • While not all patients experience the same symptoms, and some do not notice any warning signs, the following are common symptoms of diabetes:

      • Unusually high thirst or hunger
      • Frequent urination
      • Fatigue
      • Blurred vision
      • Weight loss unrelated to diet/exercise

    Prevention/Solution

    • There is no prevention for type 1 diabetes.

      Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes can be managed through exercise, diet, and weight loss. Try to eat healthy foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, and get regular cardiovascular exercise.

      Gestational diabetes can be managed by keeping blood sugar levels comparable to that of the average pregnant woman.

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