Types of Diabetes Overview

Type 1 Diabetes
- Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
- Usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
- Requires lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
- More common in adults; associated with obesity.
- Can be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin.
Gestational Diabetes
- Occurs during pregnancy; usually resolves after childbirth.
- Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other Specific Types
- Monogenic diabetes (e.g., MODY, Neonatal Diabetes).
- Secondary diabetes due to other medical conditions or medications.

Common Symptoms
- Increased thirst (polydipsia).
- Frequent urination (polyuria).
- Extreme hunger (polyphagia).
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Blurred vision.
Diagnosis Criteria
- Fasting Blood Glucose: ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L).
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after 2 hours.
- HbA1c: ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol).
- Random Blood Sugar: ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) with symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy diet (low in sugars and refined carbs).
- Regular physical activity (150 minutes/week).
- Weight management.
Medications
- Type 1: Insulin therapy (various types: rapid, long-acting).
- Type 2: Metformin (first-line), sulfonylureas, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin if needed.
Monitoring
- Regular blood glucose monitoring.
- Periodic HbA1c tests to assess long-term control.

Acute Complications
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): primarily in type 1 diabetes; life-threatening.
- Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS): more common in type 2 diabetes.
Chronic Complications
- Cardiovascular disease (increased risk of heart attack and stroke).
- Neuropathy (nerve damage leading to pain or loss of sensation).
- Nephropathy (kidney damage leading to renal failure).
- Retinopathy (eye damage leading to vision loss).
- Foot complications (ulcers, infections, potential amputations).

Dietary Guidelines
- Emphasize whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains.
- Limit intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
- Monitor carbohydrate intake: consistent carbohydrate counting.
Meal Planning
- Regular meal times to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Portion control to manage weight.
- Include healthy fats and proteins in meals.
Hydration
- Stay well-hydrated; avoid sugary drinks.
Consultation
- Work with a registered dietitian for personalized meal planning and education.

Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune condition leading to destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas; typically diagnosed in children and young adults; requires lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes: Characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency; more prevalent in adults and often linked to obesity; management includes lifestyle modifications, oral medications, and potentially insulin.
Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth; increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other Specific Types: Includes monogenic diabetes (such as MODY and Neonatal Diabetes) and secondary diabetes resulting from other medical conditions or medications.

Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), extreme hunger (polyphagia), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and blurred vision.
Diagnosis criteria are as follows:
- Fasting Blood Glucose: ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L).
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) after 2 hours.
- HbA1c: ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol).
- Random Blood Sugar: ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) with accompanying symptoms.

Lifestyle modifications include adopting a healthy diet low in sugars and refined carbohydrates, engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week), and managing weight effectively.
Medications for Type 1 Diabetes primarily involve insulin therapy, which includes rapid and long-acting insulin types. Type 2 Diabetes may utilize Metformin as the first-line treatment, along with sulfonylureas, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and insulin if necessary.
Regular monitoring is vital, including blood glucose checks and periodic HbA1c tests to assess overall blood sugar control over time.

Acute complications can include Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which is particularly life-threatening in Type 1 Diabetes, and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS), more commonly seen in Type 2 Diabetes.
Chronic complications involve:
- Cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Neuropathy, which causes nerve damage and can lead to pain or loss of sensation.
- Nephropathy, resulting in kidney damage and potential renal failure.
- Retinopathy, characterized by eye damage that can result in vision loss.
- Foot complications, such as ulcers and infections, which may lead to amputations.

Dietary guidelines advocate for whole foods, specifically fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate intake should be closely monitored, employing consistent carbohydrate counting to manage blood glucose levels effectively.
Meal planning should include regular meal times for stable blood sugar, portion control for weight management, and the incorporation of healthy fats and proteins.
Adequate hydration is crucial, with a recommendation to avoid sugary drinks.
Consultation with a registered dietitian is encouraged for personalized meal planning and education on managing diabetes.