What to Know About Lesser-Known Forms of Diabetes
James Grant, M.D.
| 4 min read
James D. Grant, M.D., is executive vice president and chief medical officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Dr. Grant is a native Michiganian and graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine. He completed his post graduate training at Northwestern University Medical Center in Chicago. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, completed his recertification in 2008 and is an associate examiner for the Board.
When a person has diabetes, their pancreas does not function properly to use insulin to break down the glucose (sugar) in their bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels.
When blood sugar levels remain elevated over time, complications can occur including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, problems with vision, and problems with blood circulation. That’s why it’s important to manage diabetes and keep blood sugar levels under control.
The two most common categories of diabetes are Type 1, where the pancreas makes none or very little insulin; and Type 2, where the pancreas does not make insulin very well and/or an individual does not properly manage the effects of insulin.
However, there are other forms of diabetes that don’t neatly fit into the Type 1 or Type 2 bucket, and sometimes individuals don’t receive an accurate diagnosis right away. This can lead to the diabetes worsening until it is properly identified and a treatment plan begins.
While Type 1 and Type 2 are the most common forms of diabetes, it’s important to be aware of additional types and their symptoms, so individuals can obtain timely diagnosis and treatment.
The most common forms of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that produce insulin. Without insulin, blood sugar cannot be processed.
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to survive, because their bodies either don’t produce any, or produce a minimal amount. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, and in any body type or weight.
Symptoms can include:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very thirsty or very hungry
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Unintentional weight loss
Type 2 diabetes is when the pancreas either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t properly manage insulin. Type 2 diabetes typically develops in the middle ages or older, but it is increasingly developing at younger ages.
Some people with Type 2 diabetes can manage their blood sugar with diet and exercise, while others may need medications or insulin injections. Symptoms are similar to Type 1, except for weight loss.
Beyond Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
In addition to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, there are other forms of the condition to be aware of.
- Gestational diabetes: This form develops while pregnant, due to hormone changes during pregnancy. It is typically diagnosed from a glucose tolerance test as a standard part of prenatal care. Those with gestational diabetes may or may not continue to have diabetes after giving birth.
- Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA): LADA – sometimes called Type 1.5 diabetes – has features of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This form develops in adulthood and is an autoimmune disease, but it progresses slowly. At first, individuals typically can manage their condition through diet and exercise, and oral medications. Eventually people with LADA will need to take insulin as their bodies lose the ability to make it.
- Type 5 diabetes: This is a newly recognized type of diabetes that is caused by chronic malnutrition. It is usually diagnosed in those younger than 30. People with Type 5 diabetes have high levels of insulin deficiency and their blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. It is thought that chronic malnutrition interferes with one’s development and impacts the way the pancreas functions. More research is being conducted to better understand the cause, effect and treatment of Type 5 diabetes.
Staying aware, staying healthy
No matter the type, people with diabetes who manage their blood sugar levels can live active, healthy lives. Timely diagnosis is key to developing an effective individualized treatment plan.
Individuals will benefit from recognizing diabetes symptoms, maintaining regular preventive care, and consulting with their primary care provider to stay on top of their health.
James Grant is the chief medical officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more health tips and information visit MIBlueDaily.com.
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