Most people have heard of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, but there are other types of diabetes too. These types are often rare. They can have different causes, different symptoms, and different treatments.
It’s important to remember that:
- Not all diabetes is type 1 or type 2.
- Some forms are caused by genes.
- Genetic testing can be important for the different forms of monogenic diabetes.
- Some forms develop after damage to the pancreas.
- Some forms are linked to other health conditions or medications.
- People with unusual diabetes patterns should talk with their healthcare team about whether further testing is needed.
- Getting the correct diagnosis helps people receive the right treatment.
When to Consider Asking About Another Type of Diabetes
Talk to a healthcare provider if:
- Diabetes is diagnosed before 6 months of age.
- Several generations of the same family have diabetes.
- Diabetes develops after pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery.
- A person with cystic fibrosis develops high blood sugar.
- Someone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes quickly needs insulin despite healthy lifestyle changes.
- Diabetes occurs with unusual symptoms such as vision loss, hearing loss, or other rare medical conditions.
Learning about these types can help people get the right tests, treatment, and support. Find more information about different types of diabetes below.
| Type of Diabetes | Main Cause | Usually Starts | Symptoms | Treatment and Management |
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| Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) | Immune system attacks insulin-making cells | Adulthood |
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| Monogenic Diabetes | Change in one gene | Any age |
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| Maturity-Onset of Diabetes in the Young (MODY) | Specific form of monogenic diabetes | Usually before age 25 |
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| Neonatal Diabetes | Gene change | Before 6 months of age |
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| Wolfram Syndrome | Rare genetic condition | Childhood |
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| Type 3c Diabetes | Damage to the pancreas | Any age |
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| Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD) | Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas | Childhood or adulthood |
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| Steroid/Drug-Induced Diabetes | Certain medicines raise blood sugar | Any age |
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| Hormonal Diabetes | Hormone disorders raise blood sugar | Any age |
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