Do You Know the Six Classifications of Diabetes?

March 9,2018

Almost everyone knows about the two primary types of diabetes. However, did you know that researchers now classify up to six insulin-related health conditions as a unique type of diabetes? As medical experts continue to gain a better understanding of the damaging effects of high blood sugar, it is obvious that everyone at all ages needs to keep their blood glucose levels in check as well as maintain a healthy diet, exercise more and make appropriate lifestyle changes.

Type 1 Diabetes - Insulin Dependence

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin. For decades, Type 1 diabetes has been associated with a juvenile disease that typically appears in early childhood or adolescence. Because of destroyed pancreatic cells that cannot supply the body with sufficient insulin, the disease leaves the person insulin-dependent for life. There is no cure. Since insulin is required to allow glucose (blood sugar) to enter the cells and fuel the body, treatment aims at maintaining normal blood sugar levels with insulin therapy, diet and exercise. The cause of Type 1 is believed to be genetic and/or related to organ-damaging viruses. About 5% of diabetics are Type 1. Doctors now know that Type 1 diabetes also can occur in adults (see LADA below).

Type 2 Diabetes - Insulin Resistance

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar. This is the most common form of diabetes where the body does not effectively use the insulin produced by the pancreas (called insulin resistance). Although the pancreas will normally respond by producing more insulin, it eventually cannot keep a person's blood glucose at normal levels. Some people are diagnosed with symptoms of pre-diabetes (obesity or genetic predisposition) that can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes prior to a full onset of Type 2 diabetes. Those who are insulin resistant often have Metabolic Syndrome, which is a group of conditions including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides as well as extra fat deposits around the waste. Type 2 diabetes can be managed with medications and sometimes reversed with major lifestyle changes.

Type 3 Diabetes - Brain Diabetes

Researchers know that extra weight and the onset of Type 2 diabetes can increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Neuroscientists have identified a gene (APOE4) that is present in more than half of the Alzheimer's cases. This gene interrupts how the brain processes insulin. The brain is our most energy-dependent organ and consumes 20% of the fuel produced by the body. Since fatty acids cannot be used by the brain for energy, the blood glucose/insulin function is crucial to healthy brain function. High blood sugar can lead to chronic inflammation throughout the body and brain. Researchers have linked this inflammation process to the formation of amyloidal plaques and tau tangles, which are abnormalities associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Gestational Diabetes - During Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes occurs in more than 200,000 cases a year in the United States. Placental hormones can cause high blood sugar levels that usually occur in women around week-24 of their pregnancy. Since there are no significant signs of developing this form of the disease, it is important to test for elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Treatment strategies include diet and exercise. If the blood sugar levels are too high, medication may be prescribed. Mothers with gestational diabetes and their babies have a higher risk of developing obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life. When gestational diabetes is poorly treated, babies are often born overweight and may have jaundice at birth. A number of ethnic groups including Asians, American Indians, Indigenous Australians and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk.

LADA - Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults is now considered a form of Type 1 diabetes that occurs in adulthood (usually after age 30) where the early progression resembles insulin resistant Type 2 diabetes. According to studies published by the National Institute of Health, LADA is associated with the same genetic and immunological features as childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes; it also shares some genetic features with Type 2 diabetes, which raises the question of genetic heterogeneity predisposing to this form of the disease. LADA occurs because the pancreas stops producing adequate amounts of insulin due to an autoimmune disease that slowly damages the pancreas's insulin-producing cells. Diet, exercise and oral medications are prescribed but insulin shots will eventually be needed for treatment as the body loses its ability to produce enough of the hormone.

Double Diabetes - Type 1 with Insulin Resistance

Double diabetes occurs when someone who already has type 1 diabetes develops a resistance to his or her insulin medication in a similar fashion to Type 2 diabetes. Not only is the pancreas unable to produce enough insulin to support normal metabolism, but the body also stops responding to the same amount of insulin being injected. Unfortunately, this condition is being seen more frequently in children with Type 1 who are overweight or obese. Experts believe that Type 1 diabetics, especially those with a family history of Type 2, need to make positive lifestyle changes to limit weight gain and adopt muscle-building exercises to reduce the risk of developing complications from double diabetes.

Regardless of the assigned label, any type of diabetes (including a diagnosis of pre-diabetes) should be taken as a serious health threat. Not only does there appear to be a direct link to cardiovascular disease, chronic heart disease and stroke, it is apparent that a link exists between managing one's blood glucose levels and the onset of brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Common symptoms to watch for may include thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision and fatigue. If you suffer from any of these symptoms without a diagnosed cause, it is prudent to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional to monitor your blood sugar levels. Take control of your health today by booking an appointment with a board-certified physician at either PrimeMED location.