Types of Diabetes
Live a happier, healthier life with expert care for type 1 and type 2 diabetes at University Health in San Antonio.
What Are the Types of Diabetes?
There two types of diabetes:
- Type 1 – Can occur at any age, but most often before the age of 30
- Type 2 – More frequently occurs after the age of 30, but there are increasing numbers of diagnoses in children and adolescents
Learn about your risk for diabetes and warning signs.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that prevents your pancreas from making the insulin your body needs. Your body needs insulin to transforms glucose into energy. When you do not have insulin, you have too much sugar in your blood and you feel sick. About 10% of people with diabetes have type 1.
If a family member has type 1 diabetes, you are more likely to develop it.
Type 1 diabetes:
- Occurs throughout your life
- Requires insulin therapy and other treatments so you can live
- May progress to ketoacidosis (a medical emergency) and coma if untreated
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin or properly use the insulin your pancreas creates.
Learn more about Type 2 diabetes:
- It happens gradually over time.
- Obesity is a key risk factor – 80% to 90% of people who get type 2 diabetes are overweight.
- You may not experience any symptoms.
Diabetes During Pregnancy
Detection of gestational diabetes happens with a glucose screening test between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. If you develop gestational diabetes, it means your body is not using insulin the way it should.
Your doctor will help you control your blood sugar to reduce health problems for you and your unborn baby. In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away once your baby is born.
One of San Antonio’s Best Diabetes Care Teams
When you receive care at University Health, you’ll be working with exceptional doctors and staff. Your diabetes care team will give you patient-centered care and help you manage your condition.
