People can get diabetes at any age. Three main kinds exist:

Type 1 Diabetes

This type of diabetes is usually found in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, body is unable to process glucose (blood sugar). In order to properly process glucose, the body needs insulin and people with this type of diabetes do not make any—or enough—insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin.

Many women get this type of diabetes in their last few months of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.

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