There are two major types of diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the body completely stops producing any insulin, a hormone that enables the body to use glucose found in foods for energy. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to survive. This form of diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can occur at any age. The exact cause is unknown. Genetics may play a role, and exposure to certain viruses may trigger the disease.  Learn more.

Type 2 diabetes results when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This form of diabetes usually occurs in people who are over 40, overweight, and have a family history of diabetes, although today it is increasingly occurring in younger people, particularly adolescents. Learn more.

Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy, usually between the 24th and 28th week, affecting a total of four percent of all pregnancies. Learn more.