Types of Diabetes – Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes Information

There are mainly three types of diabetes –

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Gestational diabetes

In this article, we will discuss in detail about gestational diabetes. Before going to this type, let see in brief about other types.

Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin and the people with this type of diabetes depend on injections of insulin to regulate their metabolism. It is also known as insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM) or Juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

It is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells disregard the insulin. It is also known as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or adult onset diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

It is a temporary form of insulin resistance that usually occurs halfway through a pregnancy. It results from excess hormone production in the body, or the inability of the pancreas make the additional insulin that is needed during pregnancy in women with no previous history of diabetes. Without enough insulin, sugar builds up in the blood to high levels and usually goes away after childbirth.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes 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 insulin. It is important to get control of gestational diabetes early in order to prevent exposing the baby to an excess of glucose, that later store as fat. Too much glucose in the womb not only leads to an extremely fat baby, but may lead to other problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

All pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes between their 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The treatment of gestational diabetes should start quickly to prevent adverse effects to the mother and the baby. Its treatment includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity as well as daily blood sugar testing to keep it under control.

Risk Factors

1. This type of diabetes tends to run in families.

2. Being overweight may also increase the risk of this diabetes.

3. Native American, African-American and Hispanic or Latino are at increased risk than Whites and Asians.

This type of 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.