Diabetes is a complex and multifaceted condition with more than a dozen different types. Recently, the International Diabetes Federation officially recognized Type 5 diabetes as a distinct form of the disease. Despite the numbering system, the classification of diabetes is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the body’s immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This autoimmune reaction can occur at any age and is not linked to diet or lifestyle. Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, such as viral infections, are believed to play a role in the development of Type 1 diabetes. Treatment involves lifelong insulin therapy through injections or pumps.
On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and is often associated with a high body mass index (BMI). However, it can also affect individuals of normal weight, especially those with a genetic predisposition. Treatment for Type 2 diabetes includes medications that boost insulin production or improve insulin sensitivity, such as Metformin. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a low-calorie diet or engaging in regular exercise, can also help reverse diabetes in some cases.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically between weeks 24 and 28. It is triggered by hormonal changes that reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, and giving birth to a large baby in a previous pregnancy. Treatment options include diet and exercise, as well as tablets or insulin injections.
In addition to Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, there are several rarer forms of the disease. These include neonatal diabetes, maturity onset diabetes of the young (Mody), Type 3c diabetes caused by damage to the pancreas, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. Each of these rare forms has unique genetic or environmental causes and may require tailored treatment approaches.
The newly designated Type 5 diabetes is linked to malnutrition during early life and is more common in low-income countries. People with Type 5 diabetes have low body weight and lack insulin production, which may be due to inadequate nutrition during childhood. Studies have shown that a low-protein diet during pregnancy or adolescence can lead to poor pancreas development, increasing the risk of diabetes later in life.
Understanding the specific type of diabetes a person has is crucial for providing the right treatment. As medical science continues to evolve, so does the classification of diabetes. Recognizing and addressing the various types of diabetes is essential for improving global understanding and care, especially in low-income countries.
This article was written by Craig Beall, Senior Lecturer in the Neuroscience of Energy Homeostasis at the University of Exeter, and was originally published on The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
