Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin or use the insulin it produces effectively (Diabetes, 2023).  Insulin is a hormone the body uses to regulate blood sugar. There are 3 types of Diabetes.  Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes. Even though these are the main 3 Diabetes, one should also consider monitoring Prediabetes as well. Let’s take a closer look.

Type 1 Diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition where the pancreas makes little to no insulin (Type 1 Diabetes, 2024).  Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are excessive urination, increase in hunger, bed-wetting in children who never wet the bed at night, unexpected weight-loss, feeling tired and weak, feelings of irritability, and having blurry vision. Though the cause of Type 1 Diabetes is unknown, some factors may include genetics and/or environmental factors (Type 1 Diabetes, 2024).

Type 2 Diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, occurs when the body is having trouble regulating glucose for energy. Like type 1 diabetes, this happens when the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin. Another cause occurs when cells in our muscles, liver and fats become resistant to insulin, causing the cells to not take in enough glucose. You will mostly find DM2 in older adults, however, with the rising growth of obesity in children, DM2 is becoming more common in young adults and children. Symptoms to look for in Type 2 Diabetes includes, frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, frequent infections, slow-healing sores, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, dark spots commonly found on the neck and/or armpits (Type 2 Diabetes, 2023).

Gestational Diabetes is diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy for the first time. This type of diabetes causes the unexpected mom to have high blood sugar which may also affect her baby. These complications may include severe breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, early birth, need for c-section, obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and still birth. In gestational diabetes, the blood sugar usually returns to its usual levels after delivery (Gestational Diabetes, 2022). Though the cause of gestational diabetes is still unknown, one factor that seems to play a part is excessive weight before pregnancy. Some risk factors of gestational diabetes include having polycystic ovary syndrome, having an immediate family member with diabetes, being overweight or obese, not being physically active, being of certain ethnicity or race such as Hispanic, Black, American Indian or Asian American, and having prediabetes (Gestational Diabetes, 2022).

Now that we’ve learned about the different types of diabetes and their symptoms, let try to minimize our risks. Exercise more, select healthy food options, loose excess weight and stay positive to decrease stress levels. Let us continue to fight for health lifestyles and minimize diabetes and its risks.

References

Diabetes. (2023, April 5). Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes

Gestational Diabetes. (2022, April 9). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339

Type 1 Diabetes. (2024, March 27). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011

Type 2 Diabetes. (2023, March 14). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193