Misdiagnosis of Types of Diabetes

Wrong type of Diabetes: The majority of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes and this is the correct subtype diagnosis. However, sometimes it is not so clear, and a wrong subtype can be diagnosed. Type 2 diabetics are usually over-40 and overweight with mild symptoms, whereas Type 1 diabetics are usually thin teenagers with severe symptoms. But there are some overlaps in the profiles, such as teenagers with the mild symptoms of Type 2 diabetes (usually overweight teenagers) and 30-year old adults with Type 1 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes can occasionally be the wrong subtype diagnosis. This occurs when a mother just happens to get Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy, and it is then assumed to be Gestational diabetes. The misdiagnosis is usually noted after childbirth when the diabetes fails to disappear.

MODY diabetes is another rare genetic diabetes subtype that is often overlooked. Occasionally people diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes might have MODY. Similarly there are various rare MODY-like genetic diabetes subtypes caused by genetic defects leading to insulin resistance or insulin deficiency.

Types list: The list of types of Diabetes in various sources includes:

• Type 1 diabetes - the classic insulin-requiring juvenile form, but actually only about 5-10% of cases.
• Type 2 diabetes - the most common adult form in over 40's, about 90-95% of cases.
• Impaired glucose tolerance - an early mild form of "pre-diabetes" often leading to Type 2 diabetes; see also types of IGT.
• Gestational diabetes - pregnancy-caused diabetes; see also types of gestational diabetes.
• MODY diabetes - a rare genetic subtype
• Malnutrition-Related Diabetes
• Secondary diabetes - when caused by an underlying condition or medication.
• Lipoatrophic diabetes

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