There are several types of diabetes, with the main ones being:
- Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. It often develops in childhood or early adulthood but can occur at any age. It requires insulin treatment
- Type 2 diabetes: The most common form, characterized by insulin resistance where the body does not use insulin effectively. It usually develops in adults, often linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity, but genetics also play a role
- Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy due to insulin-blocking hormones. It usually resolves after delivery but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later
Beyond these, there are several other important types, including:
- Monogenic diabetes: A rare form caused by mutations in a single gene, including Neonatal diabetes (diagnosed in infants) and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), often misdiagnosed as type 1 or 2
- Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): Sometimes called type 1.5, it is an adult-onset form of autoimmune diabetes that progresses more slowly than type 1
- Type 3c diabetes: Diabetes resulting from pancreatic diseases or damage
- Steroid-induced diabetes: Caused by certain medications like steroids
- Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes: A distinct form seen in people with cystic fibrosis
- Type 5 diabetes (malnutrition-related diabetes): Recently recognized, caused by chronic undernutrition, primarily affecting populations in Asia and Africa
In summary, while the three main types are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, there are multiple other forms that are clinically significant and require specific diagnosis and management
