This type usually starts in childhood or young adulthood. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, a hormone needed to turn sugar from food into energy. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood, which can make people very sick. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections every day to stay alive. 

This type usually develops in adults, but can happen in younger people too. The body still makes insulin, but it doesn’t use it properly, so blood sugar levels rise. Being overweight, inactive, or having a family history of diabetes can increase the risk. Type 2 can often be managed with healthy eating, exercise, and sometimes medicine or insulin. 

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin. Although it usually goes away after the baby is born, it increases the future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes for both the parent and the child. Proper management through healthy eating and monitoring is essential for a safe pregnancy.