Is there more than one type of diabetes?

Yes, there are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes: This type is caused by the body's immune system attacking and destroying the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) get from the blood into the cells for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels can get too high. Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood or young adulthood, and people with this type of diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay alive.

2. Type 2 diabetes: This type is caused by the body's cells becoming resistant to insulin, and by the pancreas not making enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes usually starts in adulthood, and people with this type of diabetes can often manage their blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Some people with type 2 diabetes also need to take medication to help control their blood sugar levels.

3. Gestational diabetes: This type is a temporary condition that can develop during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, but women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.