As per American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes can be classified into many types- Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes and secondary diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
In type 1 diabetes, antibodies are formed against cells in the pancreas that produce insulin (a hormone that is needed to transfer glucose from blood to the cells of body so that it can be used for energy production). So, the body does not produce insulin. This type usually occurs in children and young adults. It requires insulin for treatment.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced normally, but body is not able to use it properly due to insulin resistance. It is the most common form of diabetes. In the earlier stages, patients have high insulin levels and they can be treated with oral glucose lowering medicines. With time, pancreatic cells get damaged and insulin may be required to control the blood sugar.
- Gestational diabetes mellitus
Gestational diabetes is the diabetes that develops in some women during pregnancy. It usually occurs around 24th week. These women have normal blood sugar before pregnancy and most of them have normal sugar after delivery also. But they require treatment of diabetes during pregnancy and many of them may become diabetic later in life. If untreated, it can have adverse effects on pregnancy and the baby.
- Secondary diabetes
Rarely, diabetes can occur due to some other diseases like cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, trauma or some drugs like steroids etc.
No matter what the type is, if not controlled, they may affect various organs of your body like eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, brain etc.
