17/04/2026
Understanding Diabetes and Various Types.
Diabetes Mellitus is a long-term condition where the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood becomes too high. This happens because the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from your blood into your cells, where it’s used for energy. When this system doesn’t work, sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used.
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Main types of diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes
• An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
• Usually develops in children or young adults, but can occur at any age
• The body produces little or no insulin
• Requires daily insulin injections for survival
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2. Type 2 Diabetes
• The most common type
• The body either doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance) or doesn’t produce enough
• Often linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and excess weight
• Can sometimes be managed with diet, exercise, and tablets, but may require insulin over time
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3. Gestational Diabetes
• Occurs during pregnancy
• Caused by hormonal changes that affect insulin function
• Usually goes away after childbirth, but increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life
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4. Other less common types
• Monogenic diabetes (caused by a single gene mutation)
• Secondary diabetes (caused by other conditions like pancreatic disease or certain medications)