Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.  About half of all cases of type 1 diabetes appear in childhood or in the early teenage years. 

Type 2 diabetes was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes may account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes and most often occurs in adults. 

Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but disappears when a pregnancy is over. 

"Other specific types" of diabetes result from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses.  Such types of diabetes may account for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.