Most people suffer from type 2 diabetes, but did you know that there are five types of diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, more likely to occur in people with specific genetic predispositions.
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. As a result, insulin must be injected externally, and it typically develops in childhood or adolescence, although adults can also develop it.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic factors, including HLA-DQ, HLA-DR genes that regulate the immune system, and the INS gene that is responsible for insulin production. People with these genetic predispositions are at a very high risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Since this disease leads to the loss of insulin secretion, insulin injections or insulin pumps are essential for management.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of what we generally refer to as "diabetes." In this condition, patients have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies do not respond properly to insulin. Over time, the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin, leading to abnormally high blood sugar levels. It is mainly found in adults, but it has been increasing in obese children and adolescents as well.
Type 2 diabetes is primarily caused by obesity, lack of exercise, and poor dietary habits. Treatment may involve dietary changes, exercise, weight management, oral hypoglycemic agents, or insulin. The most important factor is maintaining a healthy diet to prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar, as proper dietary management can help control the disease.

Prediabetes is a stage before type 2 diabetes, requiring careful blood sugar management.
Prediabetes is a stage where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. If blood sugar is not managed properly at this stage, there is a very high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes within a few years.
Fasting blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL, postprandial blood sugar levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL, or HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes. If a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper eating habits, is maintained, blood sugar can return to normal.

Gestational Diabetes develops during pregnancy due to hormonal effects.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Placental hormones such as growth hormone, cortisol, and progesterone can increase insulin resistance, interfering with insulin's action on organs, leading to gestational diabetes.
Most cases of gestational diabetes return to normal after delivery, but some may develop into type 2 diabetes. Therefore, managing blood sugar levels through diet and exercise during pregnancy is important.

MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young) is caused by genetic mutations and typically develops before age 25.
MODY is caused by specific gene mutations and is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. If a family member has MODY, there is a 50% chance that the child will inherit it. MODY is usually diagnosed before age 25, and early stages may not show noticeable diabetes symptoms.

MODY is often characterized by issues with insulin secretion rather than insulin resistance. Most MODY patients do not need insulin and can manage blood sugar with oral hypoglycemic agents.

Secondary Diabetes is caused by diseases or medications.
Secondary diabetes is caused by various underlying conditions. Common causes include pancreatic diseases, endocrine disorders, medication side effects, and certain rare genetic diseases.
Pancreatic diseases: Chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or pancreatic resection may reduce insulin secretion, leading to diabetes.
Endocrine disorders: Conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, and hyperthyroidism may lead to diabetes due to hormonal imbalances.
Medications: Steroids, certain antipsychotics, and immunosuppressive drugs can increase insulin resistance or suppress insulin secretion, triggering diabetes.
Genetic diseases: Certain genetic disorders, such as Huntington's disease, can also cause secondary diabetes.
Secondary diabetes is diagnosed by identifying the underlying condition and measuring blood glucose levels. If the underlying disease is treated, diabetes symptoms may improve.