A lot of teens think diabetes is just caused by eating too much sugar or being overweight, but that’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there. In reality, this isn’t true. The causes are way more complicated and often have nothing to do with food at all.
There are actually three main types of diabetes, plus more than 200 rare forms that most people don’t even know exist. As we get ready for National Diabetes Awareness Month, it’s important to understand what diabetes really is, why it happens, and how different it is from the stereotypes. Here’s a simple breakdown to clear things up.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)1. Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is when your immune system accidentally destroys the insulin-making cells in your pancreas. This occurs when your body makes little or no insulin, so sugar can’t get into your cells.
-It happens mostly in kids and teens (but adults can get it too).
-It’s not caused by diet or lifestyle.
-People must take insulin every day to stay alive.
In a simpler explanation...
Your pancreas basically quits its job, so you have to take over using insulin shots or a pump.
Image Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
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2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is when your body can still make insulin, but it doesn’t use it well, this is called insulin resistance. It occurs when your body is working, but it’s kind of glitchy and struggles to manage sugar.
-It is more common in adults, but teens can get it too.
-It is often linked to genetics, inactivity, or the body storing extra fat, not just “eating too much sugar.”
-It’s managed with lifestyle changes and sometimes medication or insulin.
In a simpler explanation...
Your body still has insulin, but it’s acting like a slow WiFi connection, taking too long to work.
Image Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
3. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. This means hormones during pregnancy can make insulin less effective, raising blood sugar.
-It only happens during pregnancy.
-Usually goes away afterward but increases the risk of developing Type 2 later.
In a simpler explanation...
It’s like temporary Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy, caused by pregnancy hormones.
There Are 200+ Other Types
These forms of diabetes are less known because they are rare and hard to diagnose. These are often grouped under “monogenic,” “secondary,” or “rare types” of diabetes.
a. Monogenic Diabetes
These forms are caused by single gene mutations and include MODY and neonatal diabetes.
MODY: Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young
MODY diabetes is caused by specific gene problems and often runs strong on families. This form is normally diagnosed in teens and has varying treatments; some do not even have to use insulin.
In a simpler explanation...
Your DNA has a glitch that affects how insulin works.
Image Credit: Artem Podrez from Pexels
Neonatal Diabetes
Neonatal diabetes shows up in babies under 6 months old. It is caused by a rare gene mutation and is usually temporary, but can be lifelong.
In a simpler explanation...
A baby is born with a genetic error that affects insulin.
b. Secondary Diabetes
Secondary diabetes is caused by another condition or treatment. These types happen because something else affects the pancreas or insulin system.
Examples:
-Cystic fibrosis, related to diabetes
-Diabetes caused by pancreatitis
-Diabetes after pancreas removal
-Steroid-induced diabetes (from high-dose medications)
-Hormone disorders, like Cushing’s syndrome
In a simpler explanation...
Another health problem messes with your pancreas, causing diabetes.
Image Credit: Artem Podrez from Pexels
c. Rare Autoimmune or Genetic Syndromes
Some syndromes include diabetes as one part of the condition, for example:
-Wolfram syndrome
-Alström syndrome
-IPEX syndrome
-Rabson–Mendenhall syndrome …and many more.
These come with multiple symptoms, and diabetes is just one piece.
In a simpler explanation...
Some rare genetic conditions come bundled with diabetes.
Image Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
Why Awareness Matters
Most people only know about Type 1 and Type 2, but many people with rare forms spend years misdiagnosed. That means they don’t get the right treatment.
Raising awareness helps..
-Reduce stigma (it's not “your fault”)
-Improve early diagnosis
-Help teens support friends who live with diabetes
-Highlight that diabetes is not one-size-fits-all