In honor of American Diabetes month, which took place in November, this article discusses the different types of diabetes, treatment, and management techniques. Diabetes occurs when a person’s blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. With diabetes, the body does not make enough or any insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas. As a result, glucose stays in the blood and does not reach the cells.¹ 

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body produces little or no insulin.¹ It is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.² Type 1 diabetes is often inherited and has a genetic component.¹ 

Type 2 diabetes happens when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. The pancreas may still produce insulin, but not in sufficient amounts to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, as well as having a family history of the disease.¹ 

Gestational diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar during pregnancy. It is linked to hormonal changes that affect the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. While gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, women who have had it are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.³

Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains. Type 2 diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurry vision, and fatigue. Gestational diabetes typically does not cause noticeable symptoms. It is usually diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy through routine blood tests that check for high blood sugar levels.⁴ 

Complications

Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to various complications, including eye disease, foot problems, gum disease, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.⁵ However, managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help prevent diabetes-related complications.¹

Treatments

Patients with type 1 diabetes typically take insulin several times a day, either via a needle and syringe, an insulin pen, or an insulin pump, especially around meal times. For type 2 diabetes, management often involves lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and regular exercise. In addition, some patients may require medications, including insulin or diabetes medications like metformin, to help control blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes can generally be managed with diet and exercise, along with medications to lower blood sugar. Some patients may also need additional medications, such as insulin or oral diabetes drugs.⁶

Sources

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. What is diabetes? Reviewed Apr 2023. Accessed 4 Nov 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes
2. Medline Plus. Type 1 diabetes. Reviewed. 10 Feb 2023. Accessed 4 Nov 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000305.htm
3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gestational diabetes. Reviewed May 2017. Accessed 4 Nov 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of diabetes. 15 May 2024. Accessed 4 Nov 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/index.html
5. Medline Plus. Diabetes complications. Updated 9 May 2024. Accessed 4 Nov 2024. https://medlineplus.gov/diabetescomplications.html
6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Insulin, medicines, & other diabetes treatments. Reviewed Mar 2022. Accessed 4 Nov 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/insulin-medicines-treatments