Types of Diabetes

There are 3 main types of diabetes:

Type 1
Type 2
Gestational diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

(Insulin dependent) develops when the cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas, have been destroyed. The exact reason why these cells are destroyed is not known. As a result the body is unable to produce any insulin.

This type of diabetes usually begins in young adults and children but can occur at any age.

Type 2 Diabetes

Most people with diabetes will have Type 2. In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas still makes insulin but either does not produce enough insulin for the body's needs, or the insulin it produces cannot be properly used (called insulin resistance).

Type 2 diabetes was previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity onset diabetes as it usually appears in middle aged or elderly people (although it can appear at any age).

People who are overweight are much more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes as well as those that have a family history of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes tends to be more common in Asian and African-Caribbean communities.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes wrongly described as 'mild diabetes'. There is no such thing as mild diabetes. All diabetes should be taken seriously and treated properly.

Gestational Diabetes

This occurs when a woman, who has never had diabetes before, has high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. The condition develops in 2-5 % of all pregnancies. Treatment usually involves diet and exercise and may include regular blood glucose testing and insulin.

Summary table  

The table below summarises the main differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Next >> Managing Type 1 Diabetes

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