Other Types of Diabetes

You are already aware of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and how they are different from each other. However, did you know that, in addition to these, there are a few other forms of diabetes that an individual may acquire? While they do share certain similarities, they also have distinct differences. Curious about the various common yet unknown types of diabetes? Read our blog to discover! 

Gestational Diabetes

It refers to the diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy through a blood test in 24 to 28 weeks. It affects women who have not earlier been diagnosed with diabetes. Just like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes occurs when a woman’s body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While the blood sugar levels return to usual levels soon after delivery, it increases the woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)

A rare form of diabetes distinct from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and it runs strongly in families. As the name suggests, this diabetic condition usually affects children, adolescents, and young adults. It is caused by a mutation in a single gene. If one or both parents carry this gene mutation, their children have a 50% possibility of inheriting MODY from them. If the mutation is inherited in children, they will develop this form of diabetes before the age of 25 years, regardless of their weight, lifestyle, ethnicity, etc.

Neonatal Diabetes

A form of diabetes is diagnosed within the first six months of life. It is different from type 1 diabetes as it is not an autoimmune condition and is caused by a gene mutation that impairs insulin function. This gene mutation results in significantly high blood glucose or sugar levels, a condition called hyperglycemia.  

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

 A type of diabetes that primarily begins in adulthood and gradually worsens over time. Similar to type 1 diabetes, LADA develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin. It represents a blend of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While a few aspects of LADA are similar to type 1, other bits are the same as that of type 2 diabetes. For this reason, some people call LADA type 1.5 or type 1 ½ diabetes. Although it is not presently classified as a separate diabetes type, there is some medical research going on to identify how it differs from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  It mainly starts in adulthood and gradually gets worse over time. Like type 1 diabetes, LADA develops when the pancreas stops releasing insulin. 

Conclusion

Each type of diabetes presents unique challenges and requires unique management strategies. However, with careful monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medical treatment, one can effectively manage diabetes and lead a healthier, happier, and diabetes-free life. 

If you are struggling to keep your blood sugar levels in acceptable ranges, download the hCare app to book a diet consultation with a Nutritionist.