Other Types of Diabetes
The 7 types of diabetes
We are all probably familiar with the three more common forms of diabetes. These are:
Type 1 diabetes: This represents approximately 10 percent of all diabetes cases and is one of the most common childhood conditions.
Type 2 diabetes: This usually affects people over the age of 45 years and represents almost 1,000,000 people or around 5.3% of the Australian population and around 85-90% of all people with diabetes.
Gestational diabetes: This diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can affect between 6 to 9 percent of pregnant women. It usually starts to develop between week 24 and week 28 of pregnancy.
You can find out more detailed information on each of these types of diabetes on this website.
There are, however, some less common types of diabetes that affect different areas of the population bringing a total of 7 identified diabetes types (including the 3 most well-known types). These are:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood or “LADA”
- Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young or “MODY”
- Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus or “NDM”
- Type 3 diabetes – or Diabetes Mellitus “DM”
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adulthood or “LADA”
As with type 1 diabetes, LADA occurs as the result of the body stopping enough insulin production. However, LADA is slower to progress and the signs and symptoms of LADA and the diagnosis can be confused with type 2 diabetes. Some researches believe that LADA is a subset of type 1 diabetes and it is sometimes referred to as type 1.5 diabetes.
People diagnosed with LADA are generally over 30 years old and it is identified through testing for specific antibodies.
Initially, LADA is able to be managed through lifestyle modifications that control blood sugar such as diet, weight loss, regular exercise and sometimes with oral medications. However, as the condition progresses, your body loses the ability to produce insulin and insulin injections become necessary.
At first, LADA can be managed by controlling your blood sugar with diet, losing weight if appropriate, exercise and, possibly, oral medications. But as your body gradually loses its ability to produce insulin, you’ll eventually need insulin shots.
Treatment and management of LADA
LADA requires close management and in later stages, daily care.
Dr Nandi’s practice includes diagnosis and ongoing treatment and management of LADA in conjunction with our practice diabetes educator. With the support of our clinical team, we will help you in the ongoing management of your diabetes through:
- Insulin replacement with injections or the use of an insulin pump
- Ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels
- A healthy diet and eating plan
- The development of a regular exercise program
LADA can be successfully managed
With the right diagnose and support, LADA can be successfully managed. Please ask your GP for a referral to Dr Nandi and arrange for a consultation to discuss your condition.
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young or “MODY”
MODY is an inherited and very rare form of diabetes that is caused by the change of one of eleven genes that disrupts insulin production. It is believed that up to 5% of all diabetes cases may be the result of MODY.
MODY is more likely to affect adolescents and young adults, but can affect people at any age. Although more similar to type 1 than type 2 diabetes, it can be confused with both types.
There are 11 types of MODY diabetes, and each has a different diagnosis and treatment management plan.
Can MODY be prevented
As MODY is a genetic mutation, it cannot be prevented.
MODY can be successfully managed
With the right diagnose and support, MODY can be successfully managed. Please ask your GP for a referral to Dr Nandi and arrange for a consultation to discuss your condition.
Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus or “NDM”
NDM is a condition that affects infants and occurs anytime from birth up to 6 months old and is characterised by persistent hyperglycaemia due to impaired insulin function and is often caused by the mutation of a single gene.
NDM can be confused for type 1 diabetes, however there is a difference due to type 1 diabetes being rarely seen in patients younger than 6 months of age.
NDM can be a temporary condition and disappear once occurs. This is called “transient” neonatal diabetes mellitus or “TNDM’ or it can become permanent “PNDM”.
Prevention of NDM
NDM is a genetic disorder and therefore there is no known prevention.
NDM can be managed and treated
If NDM is transient it does not require treatment when it is resolved, however it should be monitored for signs of reappearance during adolescence or in later life. If it is permanent, PNDM is treated with either “glibencalmide” or “insulin”.
Type 3 diabetes – or Diabetes Mellitus “DM”
This type of diabetes is a condition where the body has difficulty converting sugar to energy and is combination of high sugar levels as well as high inflammation throughout the body. It is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, as well as Alzheimers as it is believed it resists insulin to the brain.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention
There is no specific testing for type 3 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, you can put in place preventative management measures to lower your risk of developing type 3 diabetes. These include:
- Regular exercise. Try to exercise a least four days per week for 30 minutes each day
- Eat healthy protein fibre rich foods that are low in saturated fat
- Monitor your blood sugar levels
- Ensure you are taking your prescription medications regularly and on schedule
- Manage healthy cholesterol levels
- Maintain a healthy weight
To arrange for a consultation with Dr Nandi regarding your diabetes, please ask your GP for a referral.
