The 3 Types of Diabetes Everyone Must Know

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar (glucose). Normally, the hormone insulin moves glucose from food into cells for energy. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce insulin, doesn’t use it properly, or both.

This leads to high blood sugar, which, if not managed, can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), diabetes affects over 500 million people worldwide and is one of the fastest-growing health challenges today.

The 3 Main Types of Diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes

• An autoimmune disease: the body attacks the pancreas, destroying the insulin-making cells.

• Usually develops in children, teens, or young adults, but it can occur at any age.

• People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use insulin pumps to survive.

Symptoms: extreme thirst, frequent urination, sudden weight loss, tiredness, blurry vision.

Type 1 makes up 5–10% of all diabetes cases (CDC, 2024).

2. Type 2 Diabetes

• The most common type of diabetes is responsible for over 90% of cases worldwide (WHO, 2023).

• The body makes insulin but doesn’t use it effectively (insulin resistance).

• Linked to factors such as being overweight, poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, and genetics.

• It can often be managed with healthy eating, exercise, oral medication, and sometimes insulin.

Symptoms: tiredness, frequent infections, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, increased thirst and urination.

Type 2 diabetes is preventable in many cases through lifestyle changes like balanced diet, exercise, and weight management.

3. Gestational Diabetes

• Develops during pregnancy when hormones interfere with insulin function.

• Usually disappears after childbirth but increases the mother’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

• Can also affect the baby’s health if not managed properly.

• Managed through healthy eating, exercise, and sometimes insulin.

Symptoms: Often no clear signs, which is why blood sugar testing during pregnancy is essential.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (2021), gestational diabetes affects about 1 in 6 pregnancies worldwide.

Common Signs of Diabetes

Watch for these warning signs:

• Frequent urination

• Extreme thirst and hunger

• Fatigue or low energy

• Blurred vision

• Cuts and wounds that heal slowly

If you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor for a simple blood sugar test.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2023.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes Basics, 2024.

3. International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Diabetes Atlas, 10th Edition, 2021.

4. Diabetes UK. Types of Diabetes, 2024.