Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin (type 1 diabetes) or inefficient insulin (i.e. insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes). It may also be related to pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
Most types of diabetes are related to insulin resistance. There are now many different treatments available for insulin resistance and diabetes.
Read more about the different types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes
Two Australian children and as many as six Australians of all ages will develop type 1 diabetes every day. While it’s more common in people under 30 years, and tends to begin in childhood, it can affect anyone. Type 1 diabetes has also been known as juvenile diabetes and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. While it usually affects people over the age of 40, it is not uncommon for younger people to be diagnosed. There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes, although treatments are available to prevent progression or even cause remission of type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes (GDM)
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear, usually around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy.