Myth or Fact: Are All Diabetes Same, Regardless Of The Type? Ft. Dr Vinayak Pai

Diabetes is often misunderstood, with a common myth suggesting that all types are the same. In reality, diabetes is a group of diseases that differ in causes, symptoms, and treatments.

The three main types are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, each with distinct characteristics. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

This requires lifelong insulin therapy to maintain blood sugar levels. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is often linked to insulin resistance, where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, along with medication or insulin if needed.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth, although it increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life. Understanding the differences among these types is essential for proper management.

Treatment strategies vary, from insulin therapy in Type 1 to lifestyle interventions in Type 2, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for diabetes management. In this video, Dr. Vinayak Girish Pai, Assistant Professor at GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, dispels the myth that all diabetes is the same.