different types of diabetes mellitus - #18287
I am worried about my health lately and trying to understand different types of diabetes mellitus. My mom was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years ago, and now I've been feeling kinda off. I’ve had some symptoms like excessive thirst and blurred vision, which freaks me out because I know those can be signs of diabetes mellitus. The doctor did some tests and my sugar levels were a bit high, but she said it’s not full-blown diabetes yet. I’m confused, though. What are the different types of diabetes mellitus? I thought it was just type 1 and type 2 but then I read about gestational diabetes and other forms. How do you know which type someone might have? Like, can lifestyle changes really help prevent all the different types of diabetes mellitus? I’ve started cutting back on sugar and trying to exercise more, but it’s hard sometimes! Honestly, knowing how many different types of diabetes mellitus exist makes it all feel more complicated. Should I be doing more? I want to avoid getting diabetes like my mom. Any advice or insights would be great!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Diabetes mellitus indeed comes in several forms, and it’s smart to familiarize yourself with them. The most common types are type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but there are other forms like gestational diabetes and some rare subtypes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in younger people and is characterized by the body’s immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas—those diagnosed often require insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes, which your mom has, is more common in adults, and related to insulin resistance, frequently linked to lifestyle and genetic factors. It can often be managed with lifestyle modifications, alongside medications. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth, but it may increase the future risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are also some rare types of diabetes caused by specific genetic mutations, pancreatic diseases, or medication effects. Identifying the type is not based only on symptoms but involves a comprehensive assessment including family history, age of onset, glucose tolerance tests, and possibly further investigations. In terms of preventive measures, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet with low refined sugars and high fiber, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol can significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. It’s through these lifestyle modifications that you can play an active role in prevention. While it’s true that certain genetic or autoimmune factors that lead to some types can’t be influenced by lifestyle changes, the type 2 variant, the most commonly seen, can be largely impacted by them. Keep up with cutting down on sugar and sticking to an exercise routine, even if it feels challenging. Small steps contribute to long-term health benefits. Monitoring your levels regularly and following your doctor’s recommendations is vital. Should your sugar levels continue to trend upwards, further interventions might be necessary. Being proactive now could indeed make a difference in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.