Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is not a single disease. Understanding the differences between types is essential for appropriate prevention and management.
🔵Type 1 Diabetes
~5–10%Onset
Usually childhood/young adult
Cause
Autoimmune — the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells.
Management
Requires insulin therapy for life. Not preventable.
🔴Type 2 DiabetesThis tool predicts this type
~90–95%Onset
Usually adult (increasingly younger)
Cause
Insulin resistance + beta cell exhaustion, driven by lifestyle and genetics.
Management
Lifestyle intervention, oral medication, and sometimes insulin.
🟡Prediabetes
Precursor stateOnset
Any age
Cause
Blood glucose above normal but below the diabetes threshold.
Management
Highly reversible with diet and physical activity changes.
🟢Gestational Diabetes
~2–10% of pregnanciesOnset
During pregnancy
Cause
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause insulin resistance.
Management
Diet, exercise, sometimes insulin. Resolves after birth but increases T2D risk.