Diabetes Mellitus has become a very common topic in the world, however, people still fail to be able to prevent or manage this chronic illness. We cannot also fail to ignore that there are individuals who are not aware of the different kinds of diabetes. In today’s article, we will be listing out the common diabetes and diving into the uncommon types of diabetes.
The most common types of Diabetes includes the type 1 diabetes (when the immune system destroys insulin producing cells in the pancreas), type 2 diabetes (when the body doesn’t produce insulin properly) and gestational diabetes (consists of high blood sugar during pregnancy and can develop into type 2 diabetes later on in life).
While the Uncommon types of Diabetes Mellitus include;
- Prediabetes; This means the sugar level is higher than normal and can develop into type 2 diabetes later on in life.
- Type 3c Diabetes; Though it is not clear when Type 3c Diabetes was discovered, research on this kind of diabetes has been tracked down to 1973, however, there is still a lack of awareness of this kind of diabetes, often leading to delayed diagnosis. Type 3c Diabetes has to do with diabetes that develops due to pancreatic damage. Most times it is confused for type 2 diabetes Mellitus. Here is a common way of differentiating the two kinds of Diabetes physically;
While Type 2 diabetes patients are most likely overweight, Type 3c diabetes mellitus patients are often underweight.
- Maturity Onset Diabetes of the young (MODY); This is caused by mutation of a single gene, and it often occurs in individuals before the age of 25.
- Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults; This is a slow progression of Type 1 diabetes, which often occurs in individuals above 30.
- Steroid Induced Diabetes; This is caused by prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, which can raise blood sugar and increase insulin resistance.
Does Nutrition Therapy Vary with the Different Kinds of Diabetes?
Yes, it does. Each type of diabetes has different causes, hence it has a different approach. Therefore, patients with Type 1 diabetes are adviced to practice consistent meal timing, carb counting, low glycemic food nutrition, healthy fats, as for gestational diabetes; nutrition Therapy is not as strict as that of Type I diabetes and as for Type 3c diabetes, patients are advised to eat small meals and comsume enzyme supplements (If needed).
Individuals susceptible to Diabetes, or patients with Diabetes, are advised to visit a licensed Dietitian for consultation and more understanding on the chronic disease condition.
