Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders identified by high blood glucose levels, either because the insulin production is insufficient or it is working inefficiently or both.

Types of Diabetes: 

There are three main types of diabetes – Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes and Gestational diabetes. 

Type I diabetes:

Type I diabetes accounts for only 5-10% of those with diabetes. Type I diabetes may arise when the insulin producing pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by an auto immune disorder. People with this type of diabetes produce very little or no insulin. The factors which contribute to type I diabetes can be genetics and exposure to certain viruses. This usually develops in children or young adults but may also affect people of any age. 

Type 2 diabetes:

Type II diabetes accounts for 90 to 95% of those with diabetes.  This type of diabetes occurs when there is insufficient production of insulin or the cells in the body are not able to use the insulin efficiently. Type II diabetes can be controlled by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight and monitoring the blood glucose levels. Over time, most of the people would require oral drugs/insulin. 

Gestational diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is a condition where women who are not previously diagnosed as diabetics show high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Majority of women can control their diabetes with healthy balanced diet and regular exercise. 10 to 20% of women will need to take oral medications for controlling the blood glucose. Women with gestational diabetes and their children are a high risk of developing type II diabetes later.