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What Are The Different Types Of Diabetes? |
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For purposes of this write-up, only the three main
types shall be discussed. They are the following:
a) Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 - Also called juvenile onset diabetes or
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), Type 1 diabetes is
characterized by a decreased or outright absence of production of
insulin. This is due to a disorder in the autoimmune response of the
person, causing his own antibodies to attack the insulin producing cells
in the pancreas.
Why this happens is a question
that has continued to perplex scientists. The theories as to its cause
are complex and unclear, involving genetics, viruses, diet and
environmental factors such as chemicals.
People diagnosed with
Type 1 diabetes require regular shots of insulin (with injections,
pumps, or other methods) for without it, the result could be fatal. 10%
of diabetics have this type of diabetes.
b) Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 - Also known as adult onset diabetes, obesity-related diabetes, or
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), Type 2 diabetes results
from the inability of the body’s cells to respond to insulin. As the
disease progresses, the production of insulin in the body decreases.
Type
2 diabetes is sometimes manageable by weight reduction and exercise
without need of insulin shots. However, as an initial treatment, doctors
often prescribe oral medications and/or insulin.
This is the most
common form of diabetes, affecting as much as 90% of people with
diabetes. Like Type 1 diabetes, the causes of Type 2 are as of yet
unknown or obscure, but evidence shows that it may be related to
heredity, body weight, and lifestyle.
c) Gestational Diabetes - This
is often called Type 3 diabetes although the designation is rarely used
in medical practice. Gestation diabetes occurs among women during
pregnancy and is similar to Type 2 diabetes in that it is a result of
the cell’s resistance to insulin. The consequence is often abnormal
increased fetal weight, increased surrounding amniotic fluid caused by
increased fetal urination (called polyhydramnios), fetal jaundice and
low blood sugars after delivery. On rare occasions, the condition has
also been said to cause intra-uterine death.
There is a 40%
probability that gestation diabetes will develop into full Type 2
diabetes.
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