Other forms of diabetes - Beyond Type 1 and Type 2

The most common forms of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. In Type 1, your immune system damages the cells inside the pancreas that produce insulin. Therefore, the pancreas are unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin.

In Type 2 diabetes, your body does not respond properly to the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result, your body will have a difficult time removing sugar from the blood. The cells may stop insulin production over time that may lead to insulin deficiency. However, there are other forms of diabetes that are lesser-known but can affect you just as bad.

Types of Diabetes beyond Type 1 and Type 2

Gestational diabetes

In gestation diabetes, a condition that affects pregnant women, the blood sugar levels increase to an extent that may hamper the health of the mother and the child.

Symptoms

Usually, there are no symptoms as such. If diabetes worsens, women may observe symptoms such as -

• A need to pee more frequently

• Excessive thirst and hunger

• Dryness in the mouth

LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)

It is sometimes referred to as Type 1.5 diabetes. Here, your immune system kills the insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. As this condition takes a longer period to develop, you may not need insulin for many months after you have been diagnosed.

Symptoms

You may observe the following symptoms –

• Dryness and itchiness

• Tingling sensation in feet or hands

• Blurry vision

• Frequent urination

MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young)

This condition is observed during adolescence. Here, genetic mutations limit the pancreas from making insulin. So, due to insufficient insulin, your blood sugar level goes up. If any of your parents have MODY, you are likely to have the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include –

• Yeast and skin infections

• Frequent urination

• An urge to pee more often

Treatment

Primary care for these other forms of diabetes follows the usual course of treatment as with Type 1 and Type 2.

• Diabetic medications

• Insulin shots or injections

• Dietary changes

The doctor may instruct you to monitor your blood sugar levels frequently to keep it under control. This will be accompanied by a diet consisting of adequate calories, but avoid fatty foods, excess sugar and carbohydrates. Mild exercise is also recommended.

The best way to prevent these conditions is to visit your doctor frequently and follow the treatment plan. Do not keep your diabetes untreated.