CLASSIFICATION OF DIABETES

Type I Diabetes:

Type I diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes, or juvenile onset diabetes. Generally occurring in children and young adults, the immune system of the body mistakenly produces antibodies that attacks the pancreas. The damaged pancreas becomes incapable of producing sufficient insulin. Insulin injections are required in Type I diabetes.

Type II Diabetes:

Also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes, or adult onset diabetes. In this condition, the pancreas can still produce insulin, but the body's cells fail to use insulin properly. Over time, there is also a steady decline in insulin production by the pancreas, meaning that some patients with Type II diabetes may eventually require insulin therapy.

Gestational Diabetes:

In this type of diabetes, blood sugar levels are raised during pregnancy and usually resolve once the baby is born.  However, 25-50% of women with gestational diabetes may eventually develop Type II diabetes later in life.

“Pre-Diabetic” Conditions:

Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Impaired Fasting Glycaemia (IFG).

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING DIABETES

Diabetes mellitus is one of the top few chronic diseases in Singapore and most of the developed world.

Risk factors for developing diabetes are as follows:

• Family history of diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Overweight

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Ethnic group – type II diabetes more common in Indians and Malays

• Above 40 years of age

• Smoking

• Pregnancy

• Previous gestational diabetes

• Pre-diabetic conditions (IGT and IFG)

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