Identification

• Diabetes has four distinctive classifications: type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes and "other types." Particular groups of people are more affected than others by the different types of diabetes.
  
  

Type 1

• Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in juveniles; however, no age group is exempt. The cause of type 1 diabetes is thought to be genetic, and at present there is no cure.
  
  

Type 2

• Type 2 diabetes affects adults and is more predominant in African-Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians and some Asian-Americans and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, according to the American Diabetes Association. The elderly and overweight and inactive people are also at greater risk of the disease.
  
  

Gestational

• Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women, and is more common among American Indians, Hispanic/Latino Americans and African-Americans. Women who are overweight or who have a family history of diabetes are at greater risk.
  
  

Other Types

• Accounting for less than 5 percent of diagnosed cases of diabetes, cases described as "other types" result from certain genetic conditions, illnesses or pancreatic issues, or from medications.