Endocrinology Diseases and Treatment at Gleneagles Hospital

Those who develop this type of diabetes are usually younger than 30 years of age. More often diagnosed in children, type 1 diabetes reduces and even stops the production of insulin. This prevents sugar from entering cells for energy and remaining in the blood instead. The main cause is currently unknown, however most specialists think that it may be linked to viruses that damage the pancreas, an overzealous auto-immune response and even stress.

With over 90% of diabetics having type 2 diabetes, this is currently the most common form of diabetes in the world. While insulin production isn't really affected, the patient's body is unable to put it to proper use. The cause of type 2 diabetes is also unknown but trends show that most patients tend to be over 40 years of age, overweight to obese and have a family history. Those who have gestational diabetes during pregnancy are also susceptible to this form of diabetes.

This particular type of diabetes affects certain pregnant women and tends to disappear after they have given birth. Around half the women who developed gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.