Types of Diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, LADA, MODY and Type 3c
The ADA classifies diabetes as type 1 (including LADA), type 2, gestational, and specific types from other causes such as MODY and type 3c. Each has a different cause, and treatment differs.
Type 1
The immune system destroys insulin-making cells, and daily insulin is needed. See the type 1 vs type 2 table. Learn more
Type 2
The most common type. The body does not use insulin well and may not make enough. About 90 to 95 percent of cases. Learn more
Gestational diabetes
Diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly diabetes before. It usually goes away after birth, but raises later type 2 risk. Learn more
LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults)
Autoimmune diabetes that appears in adulthood, often progressing more slowly than childhood type 1. The ADA includes it within type 1. It is often first called type 2, so ask about antibody tests if you are thin, young for type 2, or tablets stop working.
MODY and other monogenic diabetes
Monogenic diabetes comes from a change in a single gene, and MODY is the form that appears in young people, often with a strong family history. The NIDDK says a genetic test can identify it, and the right treatment depends on the gene, so it matters to know. See the NIDDK page on monogenic diabetes.
Type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes
Diabetes that follows disease or removal of the pancreas, such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis or pancreatic surgery. The ADA lists it under diseases of the exocrine pancreas. Treatment is individual, and people may need insulin.
Drug- or chemical-induced diabetes
Some medicines, such as high-dose steroids, can raise blood glucose enough to cause diabetes. Never stop a medicine on your own; ask your clinician.
If your type is unclear
Ask your clinician. Testing for antibodies, C-peptide or genes can help. Meanwhile, the A1C chart and blood sugar chart work for every type.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of diabetes are there?
The ADA groups diabetes into type 1 (which includes LADA), type 2, gestational diabetes, and specific types due to other causes, such as monogenic diabetes (including MODY), diseases of the pancreas (type 3c) and drug- or chemical-induced diabetes.
What is LADA?
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults is autoimmune diabetes that appears in adulthood. The ADA includes it under type 1. It can be mistaken for type 2 at first.
What is MODY?
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young is a form of monogenic diabetes caused by a change in a single gene. The NIDDK says a genetic test can confirm it.
What is type 3c diabetes?
It is diabetes caused by disease or removal of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis or surgery. The ADA lists it under diseases of the exocrine pancreas.
Does it matter which type I have?
Yes. Treatment differs, and some types need different tests. If your diagnosis does not fit, ask your clinician whether more tests are needed.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Section 2: Diagnosis and Classification
- NIDDK: What Is Diabetes? (reviewed April 2023)
- NIDDK: Monogenic Diabetes (Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus and MODY)
- NIDDK: Gestational Diabetes (reviewed May 2017)
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
