Diabetes is a long-term medical illness that impacts the body’s ability to utilize food as fuel. Elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels are a hallmark of the disease, and improper management can result in major health consequences.
Understanding the different types of diabetes can help you in effective management and treatment.
What Are the Different Types of Diabetes?
The first is type 1 diabetes, sometimes known as juvenile diabetes. It’s an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Although it can strike at any age, this kind of diabetes is typically identified in children and young people. Insulin injections must be administered daily to people with type 1 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.
Conversely, the most prevalent kind of diabetes is type 2. Although it primarily affects persons over 45, younger people are also affected. Insulin resistance in the body is the cause of type 2 diabetes.
It may also happen when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Management of type 2 diabetes often includes lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, oral medications, and in some cases, insulin therapy.
Another type is gestational diabetes which occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and child. This type of diabetes is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that affect insulin’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
There are also other, less common types of diabetes. These include monogenic diabetes, which is caused by a mutation in a single gene, and secondary diabetes, which can result from conditions like cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis.
Book Your Diabetes Treatment in New York
Understanding the different types of diabetes can help you get the right treatment. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of diabetes, don’t hesitate to call us at 877-703-3775 and schedule an appointment with Philip Rabito, MD.
Early detection and proper management can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Your health is our priority.