Gestational Diabetes Vs Type 2: Differences

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Diabetes is one of the fastest spreading diseases in modern times. It is also known as a lifestyle disease that is affecting people of all ages due to a wrecked up way of living. But this is basically true for two types of diabetes – type 2 and gestational. Both these two have differences between them as well but before we go into a gestational diabetes vs type 2 discussion let us take a look at what diabetes is and the three types.

Diabetes attacks when the pancreas does not produce insulin or the body resists the produced insulin. In either case the glucose levels in the blood shoot up and this condition of having high glucose level in the bloodstream is known as diabetes. There are three types of diabetes namely type 1, type 2 and gestational.

Type 1 diabetes is also referred to as juvenile diabetes as it is diagnosed in a person at a young age – mostly before 20 years of age. This is an autoimmune disease where the cells of the pancreas are attacked due to some genetic condition. Type 2 diabetes mostly occurs at a later stage in life due to age or lifestyle factors. Gestational diabetes is a bit different from the two as it occurs only during pregnancy. After childbirth the symptoms are gone.

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Gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes
All three types of diabetes are characterized by high blood sugar levels. However they carry certain differences among them. Type 1 is a genetic disorder and attacks at a young age. Comparisons are drawn between gestational and type 2 that develop at a certain stage in life. Here let us do a gestational diabetes vs type 2 comparison and understand the two better.

Time of occurrence: Type 2 diabetes is normally said to attack post 40 years of age. It is also known as adult onset diabetes. However, due to various reasons there are increased incidences of children contracting type 2 diabetes. Gestational, on the other hand, is diagnosed in many women in their second trimester of pregnancy.

Causes: Quite a few causes can be cited for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes – obesity, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, irregular eating schedules and genes. When it comes to gestational diabetes the causes are not well defined. There is not much clarity as to why this occurs. One cause is believed to be the increases production of hormones during pregnancy.

Treatment: Once a person is diagnosed with a type 2 diabetes medication starts which has to be continued regularly. The level of medication can differ depending upon the sugar levels but it is important to take these medicines. In gestational diabetes the conditions disappear after the birth of the child and henceforth the medication is also discontinued.

Target group: In the gestational diabetes vs type 2 diabetes it is the type 2 that has the upper hand. There are no reservations and people of all age and sex can be affected. It is not so with gestational. Since it occurs only during pregnancy it is but obvious that only women are affected by it.

Among the three types of diabetes a link can be established between the gestational and type 2. Though both have basic differences they can still have a meeting point. A woman with gestational diabetes raises her chances of having type 2 diabetes at a later stage in life. In order to keep both under control it is important to have a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and eat healthy.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.