Diabetes can be classified into how many main types?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Based on its cause and mechanism, diabetes is classified into three main types.

1. 
   

   Type 1 Diabetes

   
   
   
   
   • 
     

     Also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     Usually appears in children, adolescents, or young adults.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     Patients require lifelong insulin therapy.

     
     
   
   
   
   


2. 
   

   Type 2 Diabetes

   
   
   
   
   • 
     

     The most common form of diabetes.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     It occurs due to insulin resistance, where body cells fail to respond to insulin properly, often combined with reduced insulin production.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     Strongly associated with obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetic factors.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     Can often be managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.

     
     
   
   
   
   


3. 
   

   Gestational Diabetes

   
   
   
   
   • 
     

     Develops during pregnancy in women who did not previously have diabetes.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     Occurs due to hormonal changes that make the body less responsive to insulin.

     
     
   
   
   • 
     

     Usually resolves after childbirth but increases the mother’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

     
     
   
   
   
   

While these are the three main types, researchers also recognize other less common forms such as MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) and secondary diabetes caused by other conditions or medications.

To clarify the options:

• 
  

  Two types → outdated classification (earlier only Type 1 and Type 2 were considered).

  
  


• 
  

  Three types → correct, as gestational diabetes is now included as a main type.

  
  


• 
  

  Four types → not widely accepted in standard medical science.

  
  


• 
  

  None of these → incorrect.

  
  

Thus, the correct answer is Three types (Option B).