The types of Diabetes

World Health Organisation recognises the following types of diabetes:
• Type –1, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• Type-2, non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

There are two other kinds of diabetes, known as gestational diabetes and secondary diabetes. There is also a special kind of diabetes in India called malnutrition related diabetes.

Type-1 Insulin-Dependant Diabetes
This is the most severe form of diabetes. It develops when the pancreas either produce too little insulin, or no insulin at all. Insulin is necessary to convert blood sugar into energy. Without the correct quantity of insulin in the blood stream, blood sugar does not get into the cells, and remains in the blood. Because of their very low metabolism, people with type-1 diabetes depend on injections of insulin to increase their metabolism. This type of diabetes is normally found in young children, and is mostly hereditary.

Type-2 Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes
This type of diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes. Although it seldom develops before the age of 40 years, it may occur at any stage. In fact, the incidence of type-2 diabetes in adolescents in on the rise. But because the symptoms are mild, they may not be noticed and the condition could remain undetected for a long period of time, even for years.

One common factor in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes is elevated blood sugar levels. However, unlike type-1 diabetes, type-2 diabetes is not a disease of the immune system. While people with type-1 diabetes must use insulin to live, most of those with type-2 diabetes are able to control the disease and even reverse it. This is possible by a combination of appropriate diet, proper weight control and adequate exercise.