 There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. They are both characterized by high blood glucose levels and have alike consequences. However the mechanisms that cause type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are different. There is also one more type of diabetes that resembles type 2 diabetes; it is so called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually occurs during the period of pregnancy and disappears after the childbirth.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It is an autoimmune disease when the body’s immune system turns inexplicably against its own cells, in such a way destroys them as if they were outsider aggressors.
This type of diabetes is sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes. It is so because of the fact that type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and youth, most often within puberty. It’s the most common serious chronic disorder in children and adolescents. Type 1 can also strike adult people, although this is uncommon.
Type 1 diabetes is an inherited disease, that’s why people with a family history of it are at highest chances of its developing. For example, if you have a twin with type 1, you have a 50% chance of getting it as well. If you have a sibling with the disorder, your risk of developing it is 5%–10%. People with type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin several times a day. They must follow a careful diet and exercise program.
Type 2 Diabetes
A combination of irregularities is responsible for type 2 diabetes. The first one is the insulin resistance. It is a condition in which body cells become less responsive to insulin. Consequently, the body must produce more amount of insulin to maintain normal metabolism. In itself insulin resistance doesn’t cause type 2 diabetes. The pancreas usually recovers to compensate for the resistance by producing more insulin. In most people with insulin resistance blood sugar levels keep within a normal range. But in others the insulin-producing cells eventually fail to keep up with the increased demand. Blood sugar levels elevate, causing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes usually occurs around weeks 24-28 of pregnancy. This happens because of the fact that hormones produced by the placenta make difficulties for the action of the mother’s insulin probably trigger it. This disorder can affect a baby. In fact, it puts the woman and her baby at greater risk for complications during the delivery. Women with gestational diabetes must follow a diet, get insulin therapy, or intake glucose-lowering medications are.
| 
