Types of diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone in the blood that is necessary for providing our cells with energy to function. Insulin helps sugar (glucose) move from the bloodstream into the cells. When glucose cannot enter our cells, it builds up in the blood
(hyperglycemia). This can lead to damage of organs including the eyes and kidneys, or damage of blood vessels and nerves.

Most people with diabetes have “Type 2 diabetes,” which means that the body does not produce
enough insulin or the insulin is not able to transfer glucose into cells. Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes.

In contrast, people with “Type 1 diabetes” (previously called juvenile-onset diabetes) have a condition where the body does not produce any insulin at all. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin injections and close monitoring to control their blood sugar levels.