Sometimes diabetes diagnosis is not straightforward, and it is worth knowing that other types of diabetes exist or co-exist with other conditions. In many cases treatment and management is similar to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and your GP or diabetes team will advise you on necessary treatments.
LADA is a form of diabetes which results in a gradual decline in insulin production. It can be classified as a form of type 1 diabetes that evolves more slowly and generally manifests in adulthood often over the age of 30 years of age.
It is a relatively new type of diabetes and can be challenging to diagnose as it can often initially be misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes. A blood test is carried out to determine the diagnosis.
Characteristics:
MODY is a form of diabetes that is inherited and typically diagnosed in adolescence or young adulthood, generally before 25 years of age.
It is caused by mutations in a single gene, often leading to reduced insulin production. MODY is often misdiagnosed as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
It is not an autoimmune condition. MODY can sometimes be managed with diet or oral medications, and insulin may not always be necessary. There are 14 known subtypes of MODY, each caused by a different gene mutation.
Pancreatic diabetes, often referred to as type 3c diabetes (or Pancreatogenic diabetes) occurs when the pancreas is damaged, leading to insufficient insulin production and causing diabetes.
This damage can result from conditions like chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or surgical removal of the pancreas.
It’s a form of secondary diabetes, meaning it develops due to an underlying pancreatic condition.
Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) is a distinct form of diabetes that develops in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).
It is characterised by both insulin deficiency and insulin resistance, and is a significant complication of CF, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality.
Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is one of the most common complications of CF in adults.
Several medications have side effects which include the raising of blood glucose levels. Drug induced diabetes is a form of secondary diabetes, in other words diabetes that is a consequence of having another health condition and when use of a specific medication has led to the development of diabetes.
In some cases, the development of diabetes may be reversible if use of the medication is discontinued, but in other cases drug-induced diabetes may be permanent.
Glucocorticoids, atypical antipsychotics, and some cardiovascular medications like statins and diuretics are commonly associated with this.
Other medications, including certain anti-infectives, antineoplastics, and immunosuppressants, can also affect glucose metabolism.
New-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) is a condition where diabetes develops in an individual who previously was not living with diabetes, after a solid organ transplant.
It’s a common and serious complication, occurring in 2% to 53% of all solid organ transplants.
It can occur as a side effect of the medications that you need to prevent rejection of your new organ.
NODAT is associated with increased risks of infection, cardiovascular events, graft rejection, and reduced patient survival.
As with many chronic diseases, early detection, active management, and regular engagement with appropriate healthcare professionals enable people living with diabetes to achieve better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
