What are the types of diabetes?
It’s a question I get all the time.
Maybe you’ve just been diagnosed, or someone you love is facing it.
You’re worried:
Is it all the same?
Does it get worse?
Is there hope?
Let’s cut through the noise and talk straight about the types of diabetes, what makes them different, and what you need to know to take control.

What Are the Four Main Types of Diabetes?

What are the types of diabetes most people deal with?
Let’s break it down:

1. Type 1 Diabetes

• Your immune system attacks your pancreas.
• Usually hits kids and young adults, but can show up any time.
• Only about 10% of diabetes have this type.
• You need insulin. No way around it.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

• By far, the most common—about 90-95% of all diabetes.
• Your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or ignores it.
• Linked to lifestyle, age, genetics, and sometimes just bad luck.
• Can often be managed with diet, exercise, and meds.

3. Prediabetes

• The warning sign.
• Blood sugar higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
• 1 in 3 adults in the UK has prediabetes and most don’t even know it.
• Change your habits now, and you can dodge full-blown diabetes.

4. Gestational Diabetes

• Happens during pregnancy.
• Usually goes away after the baby’s born.
• But here’s the kicker: it raises your risk of type 2 diabetes later.

What Are the Rare and Uncommon Types of Diabetes?

What are the types of diabetes you don’t hear about much?
Here’s the lowdown:

Here are 5 Uncommon Types of Diabetes

1. Type 3c Diabetes

• Caused by damage to your pancreas—think surgery, cancer, or chronic pancreatitis.

2. LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)

• Looks like type 2 at first, but it’s actually a slow-moving type 1.
• Usually shows up after age 30.

3. MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young)

• Genetic. Runs in families.
• Less than 5% of all diabetes.

4. Neonatal Diabetes

• Super rare.
• Shows up in babies under 6 months old.

5. Brittle Diabetes

• Extreme highs and lows.
• Hard to control.
• Sometimes needs a pancreas transplant.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Diabetes to Watch Out For?

What are the types of diabetes symptoms you should watch for?
Here’s what most people see:

• Increased thirst and dry mouth
• Frequent peeing
• Feeling tired all the time
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• Slow-healing cuts
• Yeast infections

Type 1 symptoms hit fast and hard.
Type 2 and prediabetes?
They sneak up on you.
Gestational?
You might not notice a thing—your doctor will catch it with routine tests.

What Causes Diabetes and What Are the Key Risk Factors?

Let’s keep it simple:

• Type 1: Your immune system goes rogue.
• Type 2: Insulin resistance, often linked to weight, inactivity, and genetics.
• Gestational: Pregnancy hormones mess with insulin.
• Type 3c: Physical damage to the pancreas.
• MODY/Neonatal: Genetic mutations.

Stats to chew on:

• 37.3 million people in the US have diabetes.
• 537 million adults worldwide.
• By 2045, that number could hit 783 million.

What Are the Complications of Diabetes That You Should Be Aware Of?

What are the types of diabetes complications?
Here’s what can go wrong if blood sugar stays high:

• Heart disease and stroke (most common)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Kidney failure
• Blindness
• Foot problems and amputations
• Skin infections
• Sexual dysfunction
• Mental health issues (depression risk is 2-3x higher)

How Do Doctors Diagnose Diabetes? What Tests Are Used?

What are the types of diabetes tests doctors use?
Here’s the quick list:

• Fasting blood glucose test: No food for 8 hours, then check your sugar.
• Random blood glucose test: Anytime, no matter when you last ate.
• A1c test: Shows your average blood sugar over 2-3 months.
• Oral glucose tolerance test: Mainly for gestational diabetes.

Diagnosis numbers:

• Fasting glucose: 126 mg/dL or higher = diabetes
• A1c: 6.5% or higher = diabetes

How Can Diabetes Be Managed and Treated Effectively?

What are the types of diabetes management plans?
It’s not one-size-fits-all, but here’s the basics:

• Monitor your blood sugar—know your numbers.
• Oral meds—mainly for type 2 and sometimes gestational.
• Insulin—essential for type 1, sometimes needed for type 2.
• Diet—cut the junk, watch your carbs, eat more plants.
• Exercise—move your body, aim for 30 minutes most days.
• Keep your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.

Real talk:

I’ve seen people turn things around with small, consistent changes.
One guy I know swapped his daily sugary drinks for water, started walking after dinner, and saw his numbers drop in months.

What Are the Best Tips for Preventing Diabetes?

• Eat a balanced diet (think Mediterranean style)
• Stay active
• Lose a bit of weight (if you need to)
• Manage stress
• Get enough sleep
• Quit smoking
• Watch your alcohol

You can’t prevent all types—type 1 and genetic types are out of your hands.
But type 2, prediabetes, and gestational?
You’ve got more power than you think.

What Are the Final Thoughts on Living with Diabetes?

What are the types of diabetes?
Now you know.
It’s not just one thing, and it’s not a life sentence.
With the right info, support, and a bit of grit, you can manage it—and sometimes even prevent it.
Your move.

Stats:

• 1 in 10 adults in the UK has diabetes
• 90-95% are type 2
• Diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in the US

Why Choose Northern Arizona Medical Group for Diabetes Care?

Northern Arizona Medical Group (NAMG) is the premier medical group in Arizona for diabetes care, offering expert treatment for Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. With a team of specialized endocrinologists and healthcare professionals, NAMG provides personalized, evidence-based care that includes comprehensive management plans, medication, lifestyle support, and nutritional counseling. Our patient-centered approach ensures optimal diabetes control, empowering individuals to live healthier lives. Trust NAMG for exceptional diabetes care right here in Arizona.