As if diabetes wasn’t difficult and confusing enough with type 1, type 2 and gestational forms, a study published in the professional journal, “The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology,” suggests adding two additional types of the disease for a total of five. Even the terminology associated with diabetes can be puzzling and previous classifications were as follows:
- Type 1 diabetes used to be called juvenile diabetes, but it can occur at any age. Individuals must take insulin and it’s an autoimmune disease.
- Type 2 diabetes was sometimes formerly referred to as prediabetes, but it’s an inaccurate description. Prediabetes occurs when glucose levels are elevated, but not high enough to be labeled as diabetes. Insulin is prescribed for type 2 if oral medications are ineffective at adequately controlling the disease.
- Gestational diabetes is seen in some pregnant women. It’s a temporary condition lasting during the pregnancy and can be controlled with a special diet, oral medications, or insulin injections.
In addition to the three basic types, there’s also monogenic diabetes, a rare form that’s inherited. It’s the result of a specific gene mutation and typically affects children. Diabetes classifications haven’t been updated in 20 years and haven’t taken into account new scientific advances and findings. The study proposes that diabetes be defined by clusters rather than types with the following characteristics:
- Type 1 would be known as Cluster 1, demonstrating insulin deficiency and autoantibodies.
- Type 2 would be Cluster 2, characterized by severe insulin dependence, younger ages, poor metabolic control, insulin deficiency, but no autoantibodies.
- Cluster 3 would present as severe insulin resistance and a higher risk of kidney disease.
- Cluster 4 would be a mild form common in those that are obese.
- Cluster 5 would be mild, age-related diabetes.
While no move has been officially made to enact the change, researchers believe the current type classifications fail to account for the underlying causes of diabetes. They believe changing the classifications would lead to more precise healthcare options and treatment for those with the disease. For now, those with diabetes can continue to use the same terminology to which they’re familiar.
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