What are the types of Diabetes?

Introduction: Why Diabetes Needs a New Approach

Diabetes isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. With multiple types—each driven by different underlying causes—personalized care is essential. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond managing blood sugar. We focus on identifying and reversing the root causes of your specific type of diabetes using a combination of conventional, functional, and holistic medicine.

We treat the whole person—not just the blood sugar levels.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels due to problems with insulin production, insulin use, or both. If left untreated, elevated glucose can damage organs, blood vessels, and nerves—leading to complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.

1. Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Typically diagnosed in children and young adults, though it can appear at any age.

Key Traits:

  • Complete lack of insulin production
  • Requires lifelong insulin therapy
  • Often associated with other autoimmune disorders

2. Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form, often associated with insulin resistance. The body produces insulin, but cells don’t respond to it effectively.

Key Traits:

  • Strongly linked to lifestyle and metabolic health
  • Can often be reversed or well-managed naturally
  • Frequently goes undiagnosed for years

3. Prediabetes

A warning sign that blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. Reversible with early intervention.

Key Traits:

  • No clear symptoms
  • Often discovered through blood work
  • A critical opportunity to prevent full-blown diabetes

4. Gestational Diabetes

Occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes affect how insulin works. It increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and baby.

Key Traits:

  • Usually resolves after childbirth
  • Requires close blood sugar monitoring during pregnancy
  • Emphasizes the need for early lifestyle support

5. Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

Often called “Type 1.5,” LADA develops in adulthood and shares characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2. It progresses slowly and may initially be misdiagnosed as Type 2.

Key Traits:

  • Autoimmune in nature
  • May not require insulin initially
  • Needs specialized testing and treatment

Common Symptoms Across All Types

While symptoms vary slightly between types, common signs include:

If you notice these symptoms, early testing is key to diagnosis and prevention.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Diabetes?

Functional medicine digs deeper to uncover the “why” behind your diagnosis. Potential root contributors include:

  • Poor diet: High sugar and processed food intake
  • Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
  • Leaky gut and systemic inflammation
  • Environmental toxins (heavy metals, plastics)
  • Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, cortisol, estrogen)
  • Sleep disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Genetic predisposition combined with lifestyle triggers

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To properly classify your diabetes and uncover root causes, we offer:

Hemoglobin A1C, fasting glucose & insulin

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

C-peptide and GAD antibody tests (to differentiate Type 1, Type 2, LADA)

Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Gut health panels (leaky gut, microbiome)

Heavy metal and toxin testing

Hormone and adrenal function panels

Genetic tests (MTHFR, diabetes risk markers)

Integrative Treatments Based on Diabetes Type

Nutritional Therapy

Customized meal plans based on your type and lab findings, such as:

  • Low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diets
  • Elimination protocols for food sensitivities
  • Mediterranean or ketogenic variations
  • Intermittent fasting (when appropriate)

IV Vitamin Therapy

Nutrient infusions with glutathione, B-complex, alpha-lipoic acid, and magnesium support energy metabolism and cellular repair.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Physician-guided supplements like:

  • Berberine (insulin sensitizer)
  • Gymnema Sylvestre (sugar control)
  • Chromium & magnesium
  • Inositol for gestational or PCOS-related insulin resistance

Hormonal & Adrenal Support

Bioidentical hormones and adaptogenic herbs rebalance insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones affecting glucose regulation.

Gut & Immune System Repair

Especially critical for autoimmune forms like Type 1 and LADA:

  • Leaky gut protocols
  • Probiotics and anti-inflammatory diets
  • Detoxification support

Mind-Body Medicine

Stress directly impacts blood sugar. We offer:

  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Acupuncture
  • Lifestyle counseling

Real Case Study: Daniel’s Journey with LADA

Daniel, 38, came in misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He was not overweight but was already on oral medications. Our advanced testing revealed positive GAD antibodies, confirming Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).

His plan included:

  • Autoimmune-specific anti-inflammatory diet
  • Low-dose insulin therapy
  • Gut healing protocol with glutamine and probiotics
  • Adaptogenic herbs and stress support

Within 6 months, Daniel stabilized his blood sugar, improved energy, and reduced antibody load significantly.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Type 1 is autoimmune and requires insulin. Type 2 involves insulin resistance and may be reversible through lifestyle.

Yes, with the right lifestyle changes and integrative care, many people fully reverse prediabetes.

LADA is a slow-progressing autoimmune diabetes in adults. It often requires insulin but also benefits from gut and immune support.

With blood sugar monitoring, dietary adjustments, stress reduction, and movement—many patients avoid medication during pregnancy.

Yes, especially if caught early. Diet, exercise, and functional therapies can stabilize or reverse blood sugar issues.

Absolutely. We use GAD antibodies, C-peptide, and additional autoimmune markers for accurate classification.

Yes. We work with your existing plan and often help patients reduce or eliminate medications safely.

Depending on your labs, berberine, magnesium, chromium, and omega-3s may support insulin sensitivity and inflammation.

Most patients notice improvements within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on their condition type and protocol adherence.

We see both. Our team provides tailored care for pediatric Type 1 diabetes and adult-onset conditions.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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