Understanding Different Types of Diabetes and Their Symptoms

As per the World Health Organization, diabetes is a long-term, metabolic disorder marked by high blood glucose (also known as blood sugar) levels. The condition gradually causes significant harm to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. According to the WHO, diabetes caused a 3% increase in age-standardised death rates between 2000 and 2019. Type of Diabetes in lower-middle-income countries saw a 13% increase in mortality due to diabetes. There are several types of diabetes but the most common one in India is Type 2.

Recognizing the Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes can be different for everyone. However, almost everyone reports some symptoms. All the different types of diabetes are determined by the symptoms one has. These symptoms may include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Urinate more often than usual
• Blurred vision
• Feeling tired
• Losing weight unintentionally.

There are various reasons why people have elevated blood glucose levels and it determines the type of diabetes a person has. A research study has outlined the following causes: 

• Insulin resistance 
• Autoimmune disease 
• Hormonal imbalance 
• Pancreatic damage 
• Genetic mutations
• Long-term use of certain medication

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes comes in many different forms and is a complex illness. Below is a list of some common types of diabetes:

• Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes isn’t caused by lack of Insulin but by other hormones produced during pregnancy that make insulin less effective and obesity, family history, age, race, prediabetes, and even the weight of the last child—if it was greater than nine pounds—are some of the factors that contribute to a condition known as insulin resistance, that may raise the risk. It is diagnosed in pregnant women through a blood test around 24 to 28 weeks and usually goes away after birth. These women must take extra care and be more active because high blood sugar can affect the pregnancy and baby's health. 
• Maturity Onset Diabetes Among Young People: Now, it's commonly referred to as monogenic diabetes which runs strongly in families and is caused by modification in one of the eleven genes, different types of MODY are caused by changes in certain genes. That's why there needs to be careful and accurate diagnosis to ascertain the right treatment for the particular type of diabetes. Family history can play a major role in making the correct diagnosis so genetic tests are crucial. 
• Neonatal Diabetes: It is known as the diabetes of infancy. This monogenic defect occurs in children under 6 months and requires early recognition and genetic testing. Other than genetics the causes could be infection, stress, and inadequate pancreatic insulin production.
• Wolfram Syndrome: DIDMOAD syndrome, which stands for Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and Deafness, is an uncommon hereditary condition. It's not an autoimmune condition like Type 1 but is treated similarly.
• Alström Syndrome: It is a rare, genetically inherited syndrome that leads to retinal degeneration, hearing loss, cardiomyopathy, obesity, and sometimes develops into type 2 diabetes in children. It requires weight management and insulin as treatment.
• Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): Among all other types of diabetes, this is the rarest type. DIDMOAD (Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy, and Deafness) syndrome is an uncommon genetic condition, often mistaken as type 1 or 2 diabetes. 
• Type 3c Diabetes: It's diabetes caused due to damage to the pancreas and often gets misdiagnosed as type 2 so one should pay attention to pancreatic problems as well to get the right diagnosis. 
• Steroid-Induced Diabetes: People who are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience this.
• Cystic Fibrosis Diabetes: It has similarities with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and develops among people with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition people are born with. It causes damage to the pancreas which leads to low insulin production and eventually high blood glucose levels.

Type 1 Diabetes

Among all, the types of diabetes, this is the second most common type. We need insulin to live because it allows glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. otherwise, the continuous glucose build-up in our bloodstream would lead to high blood sugar levels. The body of a person with type 1 diabetes attacks the pancreas which makes the insulin hormone. The exact causes of it are not known yet but there is a higher risk if your parents or siblings have it. There is still no cure available, and the main treatment is insulin; either through injections or pumps. 

Type 2 Diabetes

It might stay undiagnosed for years if the symptoms are missed. Type 2 diabetes could happen due to a multitude of reasons but obese people over 25 with a family history have a higher risk. It is not curable but some people can put it in remission which means your blood sugar levels return to a safe, non-diabetes level long-term, without the need for glucose-lowering medications.

There is a stage of diabetes called Prediabetes that precedes Type 2 diabetes. Your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be officially diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. It also raises the risk of having heart issues. It is one of the two most common types of diabetes in India, almost 90 to 95%.

Difference between type 1 and  type 2 diabetes

The pancreas fails to produce the required amount of insulin in type 1. Conversely, individuals with type 2 diabetes typically produce adequate amounts of insulin; but, their systems are unable to use it efficiently, a condition known as insulin resistance. Being overweight is usually linked to type 2 diabetes, however, type 1 diabetes does not share this association. 

Type 2 Diabetes Self-Care

To manage our blood sugar level and reach the remission step, we must monitor it daily and take treatment accordingly. Individuals who should check their blood sugar more frequently are those who:

• Acquire low blood sugar without exhibiting any symptoms
• Have diabetes and are expecting
• Take insulin.
• Frequently have elevated blood sugar levels
• Check your ketone levels high.

There are several types of medications for its treatment which are taken according to their suitability to the patient. Some commonly prescribed medicines include Metformin (oral diabetes medicine), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and Insulin.

Home Remedies for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle:

A Healthy lifestyle is important for living a long and healthy life. One should have a balanced and nutritious diet catering to one’s needs. A few broad suggestions of Good resources for diabetic-friendly nutrition include:

• Gaining knowledge about appropriate serving and amount size
• Keeping an eye on sugar and finding out what products have extra sugar
• Consuming water and avoiding sugar-filled drinks
• Steer clear of fried foods
• Selecting reduced- or low-fat meat and dairy products
• Eating a good quantity of food according to the requirement
• Consuming more green, non-starchy vegetables

What causes low blood sugar without diabetes?

When your blood sugar (glucose) level drops too much for your body to process,  it causes hypoglycemia. This can occur for several reasons. The most frequent cause of low blood sugar is an adverse reaction to diabetes medicine. other common causes can include:

• Excessive consumption of booze.
• A few serious ailments.
• Prolonged malnourishment.
• Overproduction of insulin.
• Imbalances in hormones.

Complication with Diabetes 

Diabetes is controllable, but complications can have a significant impact on our daily lives. Some issues can be fatal if not addressed immediately. Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels and controlling glucose intake can help patients avoid the more serious complications of diabetes. Diabetes complications include the following:

• ketoacidosis
• Nerve injury
• Eye problems
• Kidney disease.
• Cardiovascular disease
• Foot issues, including numbness.
• Problems with gums and teeth
• Heart attack.

What Prevention measures Can be Taken for Diabetes?

The preventive measures for type 1 diabetes haven’t been found yet. But there are ways to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. One can manage their weight and eat a nutrient-dense diet, Exercise regularly, manage stress, and prevent smoking, excessive triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol levels. If one has gestational diabetes or prediabetes, these actions can help postpone or avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a life-altering situation, to be able to have better control over it, one needs to be mindful about several things. Regular health check-ups are important and after correct diagnosis, one should take treatment according to the doctor’s prescription. Unlike other types of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes which is found most commonly can be controlled with the right treatment and lifestyle.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which are the most common types of diabetes?

Diabetes causes vary depending on the kind of diabetes one has. It might be connected to your family history, way of life, and DNA. Type 1 and 2 diabetes are the most commonly found types of diabetes. These two types of diabetes are the most common type of diabetes in India as well. 

Q. Is Diabetes type 2 controllable?

Yes, with medication and a lifestyle change, type 2 diabetes is controllable. The remission stage can be reached with the right treatment. 

Q. Is Insulin required to treat type 2 diabetes?

Some people with type 2 diabetes may require insulin pills or injections. The insulin for type 2 diabetes is either rapid-acting insulin or short-acting insulin. It is taken before meals.