The 4 main types of diabetes are:
1. Type 1 Diabetes
This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot produce insulin, which is necessary to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of all diabetes cases. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is often associated with obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and other lifestyle factors.
3. Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes occurs in some women during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to cope with the increased demand for insulin during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after giving birth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child.
4. Prediabetes
This is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than usual but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes puts individuals at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but it can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet.
There are also some less common types of diabetes, such as monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, which are caused by specific genetic conditions or diseases.