Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes
2. Type 2 Diabetes
3. Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes is caused when the pancreas fails to produce the right amount of insulin, and your body does not use up enough glucose (also referred to as sugar).

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin, so you need insulin injections everyday and a carefully planned healthy way of eating.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is not releasing enough insulin or the insulin is not working, as it should.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy between the 24th and 28th week. There are too many hormones made during the pregnancy and the body cannot use the insulin properly. Sugar is not taken to the cells so there is a high level of sugar in the bloodstream. It can be controlled 95% of the time just by eating in a healthy way and if needed, with insulin.
Your blood sugar usually returns to normal after your baby is born but you have a 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later on.

Pancreas: The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas has two jobs to do in the body, these are:

1. Make Insulin
   Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. This hormone helps our cells (basic living unit of all plants and animals) take in sugar from the blood to give us energy to keep our body working properly.
2. Help Digest Food
   The pancreas makes enzymes to help the body digest food. Enzymes breakdown the food we eat to take out and use the nutrients we need to live.