Types of Diabetes

There are at least a few general types of diabetes. Diabetes is a general term which describes a family of diseases. Generally, people who use the term diabetes are referring to diabetes mellitus. However, even within the general category of diabetes mellitus there are sub-types of diabetes. These are generally separated into Type I and Type II Diabetes which have the common characteristic that they lead to problems with the control of blood sugar, but which have quite different underlying causes and natural histories.

There is another disease entirely, which does not fall under the general category of diabetes mellitus, called diabetes insipidus. While it has the name in common and also affects the endocrine system, it is related to a different hormone and is otherwise unrelated.

Types of Diabetes:

• What is Diabetes Mellitus? We have all heard and even used the term, but how many people actually know what is meant by diabetes, its effects on the body and what distinguishes it from other diseases?
  • Type One Diabetes Mellitus: Also sometimes referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, this less common form of diabetes presents most commonly in children and young adults and can have quite severe symptoms early on.
  • Type Two Diabetes Mellitus: The most common of the forms of diabetes, Type II Diabetes is also known sometimes as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It generally presents in older adults.

• Diabetes Insipidus: Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a completely different disease and is not a part of diabetes mellitus. It is another disease of the endocrine system but does not affect insulin and blood glucose.
• Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a form of hyperglycemia that can occur during pregnancy, even in women who do not have a previous history of diabetes. Untreated, it can lead to complications of pregnancy and increases one's risk for subsequent Type II diabetes.