Guide

People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin. They need their entire requirement from external sources to keep their blood glucose levels normal. Usually Type 1 diabetes is seen to occur before the age of 30 years. Only about 0.2% -15% of all diabetic persons belong to Type 1 diabetes.

85% - 99% of people suffer from Type 2 diabetes. In this type insulin is produced but the cells in the bodies of such people are "insulin resistant" i.e. they do not respond properly to the hormone, so glucose accumulates in their blood. Insulin resistance increases as weight increases and physical activity decreases. Many people with Type 2 diabetes are seen to have sedentary lifestyles, and are obese (fat), they weigh at least 15 -20% more than what is recommended for their height and build. Some people with Type 2 diabetes may require insulin injections, but most can control the disease through a combination of weight loss, exercise, and prescription oral diabetes medication as per the doctor’s advice.

In the third trimester of pregnancy about 5% pregnant women develop a form of diabetes called gestational diabetes. The blood glucose levels return to normal on its own after delivery. But studies have shown that about 40 percent of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within 15 years. All pregnant women should be tested for diabetes between their 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.