Diabetes: Power in knowledge

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Learn about the types of Diabetes
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Diabetes doesn't stand still and neither do you. ‘It’s a chronic condition that impacts how your body handles glucose.’ (Diabetes is about glucose handling, not food-to-energy conversion.)

More than 800 million people worldwide are living with diabetes1.
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KNOW THE TYPES

Understanding the
different types of
diabetes

How your diabetes is managed depends on the type of diabetes you are diagnosed with. A better understanding of your diabetes will help you to manage it and recognise the risks and complications that can occur.
Learn about the differences:
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Learn about the differences:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes
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Type 1 diabetes

  • What is it: The body doesn’t make enough insulin for its needs. Insulin is a hormone (chemical messenger) made by your body that helps to manage your blood sugar levels2.
  • Who gets it: Often starts in childhood or teenage years, but can also develop in adulthood2
  • Risk factors: May be linked to family history or environmental factors2
  • Insulin use: Yes2
  • Can it be prevented: No2
  • Treatment Options: Insulin injections or pump are options for some but your healthcare provider can help identify what is right for you2
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Type 2 diabetes

  • What it is: With type 2 diabetes the insulin your pancreas makes can’t work properly, or your pancreas can’t make enough insulin. This means your blood glucose levels keep rising. Insulin is a hormone (chemical) made by your body that helps to manage your blood sugar levels5.
  • Who gets it: Although more common in adults, children can also develop type 2 diabetes5
  • Risk factors: Often linked to family history, lifestyle or environment factors5
  • Can it be prevented: Many people can do things to try and prevent type 2 diabetes. There’s no cure, but some people with type 2 diabetes can put their diabetes into remission.5
  • Treatment Options: Insulin injections or pump and lifestyle management are options for some but your healthcare provider can help identify what is right for you5

    Note: T2D is often undiagnosed, sometimes for years.
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Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy, even without a prior diabetes diagnosis6.
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DIABETES SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of high blood
sugar vary from
person to person

Some may be noticeable and severe, while others may be less noticeable and
milder3. The examples below do not include all possible symptoms. If you
have any concerns or experience symptoms that worry you, please
speak to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist3.
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Urinate (wee) a lot, often at night
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Are very thirsty
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Lose weight without trying
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Have blurry vision
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Are very hungry
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Feel very tired
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Diabetes is not a lifestyle choice

People living with diabetes may experience negative attitudes and judgement.

Diabetes is a condition that changes over time. Diabetes can be challenging to live with as many factors can affect your blood glucose levels.

It’s not easy, but you’re not alone. Every healthy choice you make is a step in the right direction.

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DIABETES DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing diabetes typically starts with measuring blood sugar levels

What is HbA1c?

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The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months4. The higher your blood sugar or HbA1c level, the higher your risk of developing problems related to diabetes4. Your doctor will tell you how often to get the HbA1c test. Usually, it's at least twice a year if you're meeting your treatment goals4. If you're not meeting your goals or you change treatments, you might need the test more often4.
Photograph of a doctor standing next to their patient while having a conversation with the patient.

Understand the numbers

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The HbA1c test is a way to measure your blood sugar in units called mmol/mol. It tells you how much sugar has been sticking to your blood cells over the past few months. Diabetes is diagnosed when someone’s HbA1c is 48mmol/mol or above. Your diabetes team will discuss your target HbA1c with you4. If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below according to Diabetes UK4, your doctor will help you set the right goal for you.
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Diabetes doesn’t stand still, and neither do you

Managing diabetes often involves changes to your lifestyle and taking medicine. It's important to work with your healthcare professional, nurse or pharmacist to find the best plan for you.

References

  1. International Diabetes Federation.  Brussels: IDF; 15 November 2024. [accessed 27 Mar 2026] Available from: https://idf.org/news/new-diabetes-estimates/
  2. NHS. Type 1 diabetes. London: National Health Service; updated 23 February 2023. [accessed 27 Mar 2026] Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/
  3. Diabetes UK. Diabetes signs and symptoms. London: Diabetes UK; 2024. [accessed 27 Mar 2026] Available from: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/symptoms
  4. Diabetes UK. What is HbA1c? London: Diabetes UK; 2024. [accessed 27 Mar 2026] Available from:
    https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/hba1c
  5. NHS. What is type 2 diabetes? London: National Health Service; reviewed 10 February 2025. [accessed 27 Mar 2026] Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/what-is-type-2-diabetes/
  6. NHS. Gestational diabetes. London: National Health Service; reviewed 2024. [accessed 27 Mar 2026] Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/
CMAT-06466 May 2026
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