Other diabetes types
The most common types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. However, there are other types of diabetes that affect people. It’s important that the people have the information they need. Even though other types of diabetes occur less often, it is just important to explain them.
Reasons why it is important to classify diabetes type
- Knowing the type of diabetes and how it came about is essential to managing it appropriately. One size does not fit all.
- The risk of diabetes complications can vary between different types of diabetes
- People who have not been diagnosed correctly are at risk of getting incorrect treatment for their diabetes and may blame themselves if they are having problems managing their diabetes.
- Knowing the type of diabetes you have can help prepare you for what to expect and where to find support.
About 2% of people living with diabetes have a diagnosis of an ‘other’ type of diabetes which are caused by rare genetic mutations, certain medications, resulting from surgery or other hormonal imbalances.
Which type of diabetes do I have?
- Usually, doctors can readily diagnose people with a particular type of diabetes using routine tests
- Sometimes it is not always clear and with some of the less common types of diabetes, more tests may be needed along with a thorough clinical history
- A GP can refer you to an endocrinologist (diabetes specialist) to help work out which type of diabetes you have
With ongoing research, we will keep learning more about the various types of diabetes. Knowing which type of diabetes, you have helps to ensure you are getting the best and most appropriate treatment.
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) has information about types of diabetes covered under the scheme. You can find that here.
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Type 3c diabetes
Type 3c diabetes develops because of an illness or condition that causes damage to the pancreas so much so that it stops producing enough or any insulin for the body to balance glucose levels.
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Steroid-induced diabetes
Some people who take steroid medications may go on to develop diabetes. This is known as steroid-induced diabetes and is more common in people who are already at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
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LADA
LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) is an autoimmune condition just like type 1 diabetes, however the rate at which the cells of the pancreas are destroyed is slower.
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Cystic fibrosis related diabetes
Although people with cystic fibrosis can develop type 1 or type 2 diabetes, cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is a different condition.
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Monogenic diabetes
Monogenic diabetes is a rare condition, caused by a mutation in a single gene. If a parent has this mutation, their children have a 50 per cent chance of inheriting it.
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Immune-mediated diabetes
Immunotherapy has resulted in exciting improvements in the care of some types of cancer. However, unfortunately, this treatment can cause the immune system to destroy the person’s own beta cells in the pancreas which produce insulin.