Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational (during pregnancy). Read on for more information about each type.

Type 1 diabetes

This type was once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. The cause of Type 1 diabetes is still unknown. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin to survive.

Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Only 5 to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1. With the help of insulin therapy and education, even young children with type 1 diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy and happy lives.

Some symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include:

• Rapid weight loss without dieting
• Excessive thirst, dry mouth
• Fatigue, weakness
• Excessive urination
• Stomach pain, nausea/vomiting
• Fruity, sweet smell in breath
• Heavy, labored breathing
• Confusion

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, affects the way your body breaks down sugar (glucose), your body's main source of fuel. type 2 diabetes, which is far more common than type 1, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough insulin.

This form of diabetes is common and has grown to epidemic levels. It is more common in people who are overweight and do not get enough physical activity.

There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but you can manage or even prevent the condition. Start by eating healthy foods, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren't enough, you may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy to manage your blood sugar.

Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:

• Excessive thirst, dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss without dieting
• Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual
• Blurry vision
• Dark pigmentation around neck (acanthosis nigricans)

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. It means you have never had diabetes before. Having gestational diabetes means you have a problem with high blood sugar while you are pregnant.

The treatment is to control blood sugar, which can help prevent a difficult birth and keep your baby healthy. High blood glucose during your pregnancy is not good for your baby.

Reported rates of gestational diabetes range from 2 to 10 percent of all pregnancies. Immediately after pregnancy, 5 to 10 percent of women with gestational diabetes are found to have diabetes, usually Type 2.

Women who have had gestational diabetes have a 35 to 60 percent chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 to 20 years. Many women who have gestational diabetes get Type 2 diabetes later in life. Controlling your weight gain during pregnancy may prevent Type 2 diabetes in the future.

Most women do not have symptoms of gestational diabetes. Sometimes, symptoms of diabetes may be confused with symptoms of a normal pregnancy. Please speak with your doctor about an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to find out if you have gestational diabetes.