Learning Center

Diabetes 101 Alternate Site Testing Nutrition Tips Exercise and Diabetes Diabetes and Your Health Diabetes Facts Diabetes Tips Diabetes Glossary

Request FREE Info

Newsletter Signup

Want the best of DCC Connect delivered right to your inbox? Sign up below to receive our monthly newsletter!

What are the types of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile-onset diabetes, is estimated to account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin, which regulates blood glucose. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults, although disease onset can occur at any age.

Type 2 diabetes, previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes, is estimated to account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only pregnant women get. If not treated, it can cause problems for mothers and babies. Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but usually disappears when a pregnancy is over. Other specific types of diabetes resulting from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses may account for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Related Topics

• What is Diabetes?
• What are the symptoms of diabetes?
• What is pre-diabetes?
• Who gets diabetes?
• Will my diabetes ever go away?
• Why should I self test?
• What is high blood sugar?
• What is low blood sugar?
• What are the risk factors for diabetes?
• What is the treatment for diabetes?