Diabetes is a widespread condition around the world, especially type 2, which results from a combination of several factors. While most people know about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, medical science confirms that there are more types of diabetes than just these two.
To explore the different types of diabetes, prevention methods, and the latest treatment advancements, Nadormagazine visited the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Bellevue Medical Center to speak directly with specialists.
What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. It is diagnosed when:
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Fasting blood glucose is 126 mg/dL or higher, or
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HbA1c (average blood sugar) is 6.5% or more.
Early symptoms are often silent, but as the condition progresses, patients may experience:
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Frequent urination
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Dry mouth
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Urinary tract infections
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Burning sensations in the feet
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Blurry vision
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Weight loss
The two most common types of diabetes are:
Type 1 Diabetes
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Mostly begins in childhood
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Caused by an autoimmune reaction that attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
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Results in little to no insulin production
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Requires lifelong insulin injections
Type 2 Diabetes
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More common in adults
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Linked to unhealthy lifestyle, excess weight, and insulin resistance
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Managed with healthy diet, regular exercise, and oral or injectable medications that promote weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity
Are There Other Types of Diabetes?
Yes, there are additional forms of diabetes, including:
Gestational Diabetes
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Occurs during pregnancy
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Usually resolves after childbirth
Medication-Induced Diabetes
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Triggered by drugs that raise blood sugar, such as corticosteroids and cancer treatments
Genetic Diabetes (MODY)
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Caused by genetic mutations
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Leads to elevated blood sugar levels due to defects in certain genes
Hormonal Diabetes (Cushing’s Syndrome)
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Caused by excess cortisol production from adrenal glands
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Leads to insulin resistance and diabetes symptoms
Type 5 Diabetes (Malnutrition-Related Diabetes)
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A newly recognized type of diabetes, discovered through recent clinical studies
What Is Type 5 Diabetes and Who Is Affected?
Type 5 diabetes is characterized by:
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Severe insulin deficiency
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Caused by long-term malnutrition
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Results from pancreatic cell damage during childhood when the pancreas is still developing
It mainly affects children in poor and underdeveloped regions, where chronic lack of nutrients and proteins leads to:
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Low body weight
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Weak overall physical condition
Treatment involves:
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Nutritional rehabilitation with a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins to restore healthy weight
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In some cases, insulin therapy or diabetes medications may also be required
Are There New Medications for Diabetes (Types 1 and 2)?
Yes. Recent advances in type 2 diabetes treatment include:
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Revolutionary oral and injectable medications
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Help with weight loss
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Offer heart, kidney, and liver protection in addition to lowering blood sugar
These modern medications go beyond controlling blood glucose — they protect vital organs often affected by diabetes.
For type 1 diabetes:
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A new weekly insulin injection has been developed to reduce the burden of daily shots
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Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) now provide real-time blood sugar readings directly to a smartphone, eliminating the need for finger-prick testing
Additionally:
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Insulin pumps are now powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which calculates the necessary insulin dose automatically based on the body’s real-time needs
Which Types of Diabetes Can Be Prevented?
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Type 2 diabetes is preventable through weight management, healthy eating, and regular exercise
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Gestational diabetes and type 5 diabetes can also be prevented through proper childhood nutrition and maternal health care
What If a Patient’s Blood Sugar Remains High Despite Medication?
If a patient is taking their prescribed medication but still experiencing elevated blood sugar, they should:
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Follow a specific diet recommended by their doctor
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If blood sugar remains uncontrolled, they must consult their physician, who may:
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Adjust the medication dosage, or
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Switch to alternative treatments
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