There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetes also sometimes develops during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Diseases (such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, pheochromocytoma ...) can lead to diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (10% of the diabetic group) occurs either in infancy, adolescence or young adults. It is characterized by the complete absence of insulin production. People with Type 1 diabetes rely on daily insulin injections to live. It is currently impossible to prevent this type of diabetes. Research is mainly focused on understanding the mechanisms that destroy the cells responsible for insulin production.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs much later in life, usually after the age of 40. The vast majority of people with diabetes have this type of diabetes (90% of cases). In recent years, with the worldwide increase in obesity and lifestyle decline, we notice that this type of diabetes appears earlier and in certain populations at risk. It can appear as of childhood.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, usually by the end of the 2nd trimester and during the 3rd. In 90% of cases, it disappears after delivery.
Gestational diabetes (4% to 6% of pregnancies) affects both the baby and the mother. The baby may be bigger than normal and may develop diabetes later on. The presence of diabetes in the mother increases the risk of infections, the level of fatigue and can cause complications during childbirth.
Gestational diabetes is treated and controlled by a healthy diet and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. If, despite these changes, diabetes is not well managed, the use of insulin will become necessary because the use of oral antidiabetic drugs is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Note that there are also so-called "secondary" diabetes, caused by another disease such as pancreatic cancer, a history of malnutrition or by certain medication.