Type 1 diabetes
Starting with type 1 diabetes which is also known as "juvenile diabetes" or "insulin-dependent diabetes" is considered to be the least common type of diabetes there is.
Medical experts say that it is an *autoimmune disease of the immune system, the same system that makes the body's defense and shields against infection. The reaction will be similar to an “allergy” putting the immune system out of working order, thus savaging the cells located in the pancreas which are responsible for producing the **insulin needed to control and/or break down the sugar in the foods we eat.
Given that people with type 1 diabetes have the inability to make insulin and need it to continue living; a regular supply of insulin 24/7 is needed. Unfortunately, children and young adults are prone to this type of diabetes, but it can occur at any age or can be a result of an illness.
Type 1 diabetes sufferers show characteristics such as starting to be thirsty more regular, urinating more often and drastic weight loss.
Type 2 diabetes
This type of diabetes is also known as "non-insulin-dependent diabetes, mellitus" and "adult onset diabetes". The main difference from the type 1 diabetes to type 2 diabetes is the ability to make insulin. However, the amount produced is not enough for the body to use it efficiently.
Type 2 diabetes is considered as the more common type of diabetes, which usually develops among people who are more than 40 years of age, are overweight or obese and those that have an inactive lifestyle.
It’s a progressive disease that can also give the sufferer the characteristics of thirstiness, repeat urination, and loss of weight. In the more advanced cases if not treated properly can also lead to more severe complications similar to type 1 diabetes, like diseases of the heart, the kidneys, the eyes which will eventually cause blindness and the amputation or loss of limbs.
Gestational diabetes
This type mainly develops during pregnancy. Although most of the time this type of diabetes ends after giving birth, there are also those cases in some women that develop this type of diabetes as they get older.
Gestational diabetes, though it is mainly common among pregnant women it should be monitored because there's a big chance of leading to type 2 diabetes.
