Insulin resistance

Types of diabetes and early warning signs

Over the years the different types of diabetes have gone by a number of different names. We have come to learn more about the characteristics of the different types of diabetes and what distinguishes one from the other. Today diabetes is divided into three main categories: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Here is a brief description for each of these.

Type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, occurs when the pancreas can no longer make insulin. This form of diabetes usually develops in childhood or young adulthood, but can also occur in adults over the age of 21. Once it has developed, it is a lifelong condition that cannot be treated solely with diet or lifestyle modifications. Type 1 diabetes patients need to inject insulin subcutaneously (either by using a syringe or via an insulin pump with a catheter inserted under the skin) in order to store and use glucose.

Though not fully understood, the cause of this form of diabetes is most likely associated with autoimmunity, a condition in which the body does not properly recognize its own cells. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the beta cells in its own pancreas, reducing or destroying their ability to create insulin. Along with autoimmunity, genetics and environmental factors likely play a role as well.

Type 2 diabetes, previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes, occurs when the body stops recognizing the insulin secreted by the pancreas. This is the most common form of diabetes, considered to be occurring in epidemic proportions in today’s world. Because it can arise with minimal outward signs or symptoms, millions of people don’t even know they have it. Type 2 diabetes can affect people of any age, even children. It begins with insulin resistance and leads to a situation similar to type 1 diabetes in which the pancreas can’t secrete enough insulin. Your cells start off being unable to use the insulin being produced and eventually your pancreas stops making it.

The fundamental cause of type 2 diabetes is related to a high-sugar diet and a lack of exercise, though multiple nutritional and environmental factors have been fingered in recent years as contributing factors, including trans fats and persistent organic pollutants (POP’s). In normal situations, your body releases insulin in response to foods the body can break down and use as glucose: carbohydrates. If the blood is constantly high in insulin due to a diet high in refined carbohydrates diet, your cells become desensitized to it and the glucose can’t get into your cells.

This form of diabetes is associated with obesity, older age, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, certain medications, impaired glucose metabolism, psychological factors, and physical inactivity. But as the old adage goes, looks can be deceiving. Just as outwardly thin people can have too much of the "wrong" kind of fat — visceral fat versus subcutaneous fat — they can develop insulin resistance and diabetes. The good news — when it comes to type 2 — is that if you’re in the early stages, you can get control of the disease with diet and lifestyle modifications. For more information, read our article on preventing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes, like type 2, is a form of insulin resistance that occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. As the placenta supports the growing fetus, it produces hormones. These hormones may interfere with the mother’s ability to produce and use her own insulin. It is important to get control of gestational diabetes early in order to prevent exposing the baby to an excess of glucose, later store as fat. Too much glucose in the womb not only leads to an excessively fat baby, but may lead to other complications, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, in adulthood.

Gestational diabetes usually disappears in the mother after the baby is delivered. However, once women have had gestational diabetes they are more likely to develop it in future pregnancies and more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

A list of diabetes symptoms

Because diabetes can arise with few glaring symptoms, tune in to the following signs:

• Excessive thirst or hunger
• Exhaustion or fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Loss or gain of weight
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or sores that won’t heal

If you experience any combination of the above-listed signs, we encourage you to seek further evaluation with a healthcare practitioner. Don’t let the long-term effects of diabetes shorten your life or diminish your quality of life as you age. By detecting any problem you may have with insulin resistance or diabetes early on and managing it with the attention and care it deserves, you have the opportunity to take better care of yourself through balanced nutrition and regular exercise. This will make a difference in other aspects of your life as well, allowing you to enjoy excellent health well into your twilight years!

Click here to return to our article on preventing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

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References & further reading on types of diabetes

 

Original Publication Date: 04/19/2007
Last Modified: 08/16/2010
Principal Author: Amy Amoroso