Did you know there are 6 different types of diabetes?

When it comes to different types of diabetes, most people think of two options: type one diabetes (t1d), an autoimmune condition, or type two diabetes (t2d), a metabolic condition. However, there's more to diabetes than you might think. In fact, t1d and t2d are just two of the more common and well-known types of diabetes. Did you know that there are actually six dominant types of diabetes? Read on to learn more about how they differ.

The 6 different types of diabetes

Type one diabetes (T1D)

An autoimmune disease requiring daily injections or infusions of insulin, t1d occurs when the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the immune system. It can be diagnosed at any age and has no lifestyle-related risk factors. There are still unknowns about the condition, and there is no known method of prevention or cure for t1d at this time.

Type two diabetes (T2D)

Often mischaracterized in the media as a condition that only occurs as a result of poor dietary choices or sedentary lifestyle, t2d has a strong genetic component alongside other risk factors. In t2d, the body still produces insulin but may have difficulty using it efficiently. Treatment may begin with adjustments to diet and physical activity, then oral medications, non-insulin injectables, and/or insulin therapy.

Gestational diabetes (GDM)

In pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes, some of which — like hormonal surges and weight gain — can cause insulin resistance. As a result, 2-10% of pregnant women with no form of pre-existing diabetes are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Managing gestational diabetes involves adjustments to eating and activity and sometimes requires medications like metformin or insulin. Of all women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, 50% will be diagnosed with t2d later on in life.

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY)

A type of monogenic diabetes (diabetes caused by a mutation to a single gene), MODY is often diagnosed before the age of 30 in individuals who have two or more generations of diabetes in their family. It may be treated by dietary changes or oral medication and may not require insulin. There are numerous subtypes of MODY, and diagnosis requires specific genetic testing.

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)

LADA is a subtype of t1d characterized by a slower progression of beta cell failure due to immune attacks. Because LADA is diagnosed in adults, it's often misdiagnosed as t2d. People diagnosed with LADA may not need insulin at diagnosis but will eventually require insulin therapy as the disease progresses and insulin production slows or stops.

Type 3c diabetes

Also known as pancreatogenic diabetes, type 3c diabetes is a secondary diagnosis as a result of an illness or condition that affects the pancreas. Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, or removal of the pancreas can cause type 3c. Currently, there are no established guidelines for the treatment of type 3c diabetes, and patients must rely on their healthcare teams to customize treatment for their unique needs.

Additional types of diabetes

Beyond these six types of diabetes, there are additional rare types of diabetes. Examples of these conditions include neonatal diabetes, t1d associated with Wolfram Syndrome, t2d associated with Alström Syndrome, and steroid-induced diabetes. If you're unsure of the type of diabetes you or a loved one has been diagnosed with, ask your physician for more information. If necessary, your doctor will order the appropriate tests to determine the specific diagnosis and the best course of treatment going forward.

There is so much to know about the different types of diabetes, and you can learn more about the differences and similarities between t1d and t2d on Edgepark Health Insights.