Understanding Four Classifications of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is not merely a simple blood sugar disease. This chronic metabolic condition is characterised by elevated blood glucose levels caused by the body’s inability to produce or respond effectively to insulin.

At a media event in Jakarta on Thursday, 26 February, internal medicine specialist Dr. Wirawan Hambali, Sp.P.D, FINASIM, provided a detailed explanation of the four main classifications of diabetes patients.

According to Wirawan, understanding these classifications is important because each type has different characteristics and causes.

The four classifications comprise Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other specific types.

The University of Indonesia graduate explained that Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 occurs due to damage to beta cells in the pancreas. This condition causes the body to experience absolute insulin deficiency. The cause can originate from autoimmune disease, although some cases remain unknown or are idiopathic.

“Type 1 diabetes often appears at a young age and most patients have a thin body shape,” said the doctor who practises at Pondok Indah-Puri Indah Hospital.

Unlike Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is the most commonly found type, encompassing approximately 95% of total diabetes cases.

In this type, the body’s condition tends to vary, ranging from insulin resistance dominance to insulin secretion defects. Physically, Type 2 patients generally have an obese build.

“So the heavier someone is, the more their body will be resistant to insulin. Insulin cannot work optimally, and if this continues, blood sugar will rise. That is why Type 2 diabetes patients often have an overweight appearance,” explained Wirawan.

The third classification is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. This condition is specifically diagnosed in women during pregnancy, even if they had no previous history of diabetes.

Finally, there is Specific Type Diabetes, which is triggered by other, more complex causes.

Wirawan mentioned that this type can include monogenic diabetes syndromes and pancreatic exocrine dysfunction disorders.

Beyond internal body factors, the use of certain chemicals or medications can also be triggers, such as glucocorticoids, HIV/AIDS therapy drugs, or post-organ transplant treatment.

In closing, Wirawan reminded the public to remain vigilant and not dismiss symptoms. He emphasised that diabetes is an indiscriminate disease that can attack anyone without regard to age or gender limits.