Diagnosis Types and Treatments

Diabetes Mellitus is diagnosed on the finding of an abnormally elevated blood glucose level. There is an intermediate zone known as Pre-Diabetes. For the technically minded we present the exact levels  -  click here

The three important types of diabetes are called

	Type 1 - old name IDDM (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)
	Type 2 - old name NIDDM (Non Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)
	GDM Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
	Other - these are metabolic and beyond the scope and intention of this site

The first type 1occurs from childhood to middle age. In this group there is destruction of insulin producing cells (called islets of Langerhans) in the pancreas (behind the stomach). This group always requires insulin from initial diagnosis and are then always dependent on insulin

The second type Type 2 occurs usually from middle age onwards. In just the last few years this diagnosis is being seen in teenagers.  This group has resistance to the insulin that is produced. Essentially it is believed that for most people this is coupled with obesity and a high fat dietary intake over a protracted period. Diet with altered lifestyle may be sufficient treatment but most need oral medication. A few will need insulin.

The third type GDM occurs in pregnancy and though treated with insulin during the pregnancy disappears immediately afterwards. Such a person is at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life and attention to preventing obesity, a low fat diet and regular exercise can prevent it ever occurring

Attention to these issues can also aid the Pre-Diabetic