The causes and effects of diabetes differ with the type of diabetes diagnosed. There are currently three types of diabetes as well as several subgroups. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is called type 1 diabetes and is characterized by insulin deficiency. Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), also called adult onset diabetes, is known as type 2. A rare form amongst women is gestational diabetes, type 3 diabetes, characterized by the development of the disease during pregnancy. There also exist very rare forms diabetes mellitus (DM) including latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM).

Causes and Effects of Diabetes – Type 1 (IDDM)

IDDM (includes LADA) is an organ specific autoimmune disorder of the pancreas. Beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing insulin however in IDDM patients the beta cells are attacked by autoantibodies, ultimately destroying them. …