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Levels of Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes; type 1 and type 2. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes do not go through different levels of diagnosis. However, people with type 2 diabetes do experience different levels of care and treatment.

  1. Prediabetes for Type 2 Diabetes

    • Prediabetes occurs when a person's fasting blood sugar range is over 100 mg/dl and under 126 mg/dl. Those diagnosed with prediabetes can reverse or eliminate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise.

    Type 2 Diabetes Controlled by Oral Medication

    • If diet and exercise do not successfully control type 2 diabetes, oral medication can be taken to help control blood sugar.

    Insulin-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes

    • Since type 2 diabetics are resistant to insulin, oral medications do not always work and they may need to take insulin to help manage their blood sugar. Insulin can be taken alone or in conjunction with oral medication.

    Type 1 Diabetes

    • While the cause for type 1 diabetes is unknown, it occurs when the pancreases can no longer produce insulin. It requires those diagnosed to take multiple daily injections of insulin or use an insulin pump for continuous delivery of insulin.

    Type 1 Diabetes Honeymoon

    • The type 1 diabetes "honeymoon" usually occurs soon after starting an insulin regimen and can last up to two years. The honeymoon is where the pancreas can still produce small amounts of insulin but not enough for survival.

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