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Types of Diabetes
There are two major forms of the disease. Type I, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), formerly referred to as juvenile-onset diabetes, usually arises in childhood.
IDDM is an autoimmune disorder in which the diabetic person's immune system produces antibodies that destroy the insulin-producing beta cells. Because the body is no longer able to produce insulin, daily injections of the hormone are required.
Type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), which was once called adult-onset diabetes, usually occurs after 40 years of age and becomes more common with increasing age.
NIDDM arises from either sluggish pancreatic secretion of insulin or reduced responsiveness in target cells of the body to secreted insulin; sometimes both factors are involved. It is linked to genetics and obesity, notably upper-body obesity.
People with NIDDM can control blood glucose levels through diet and exercise and, if necessary, by taking insulin injections or oral medications. Despite their former classifications as juvenile or adult, either type of diabetes can occur at any age. NIDDM is by far the most common type of diabetes, accounting for about 90 percent of all cases.
Diabetes mellitus also may develop as a secondary condition linked to another disease, such as pancreatic disease; a genetic syndrome, such as myotonic dystrophy; or drugs, such as glucocorticoids.
Gestational diabetes is an ephemeral condition associated with pregnancy. In this situation, blood glucose levels increase during pregnancy but usually return to normal after delivery. However, gestational diabetes is recognized as a risk for developing type II diabetes later in life.
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