Types of diabetes explained: type 1, type 2, gestational
Type 1 diabetes happens when the immune system destroys the cells that make insulin, so daily insulin is needed. In type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin properly and, over time, may not make enough. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. Prediabetes means glucose is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range.
What are the main types of diabetes?
| Type | What happens | Usual treatment need |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | The immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, so the body makes little or no insulin. | Daily insulin |
| Type 2 | Cells do not use insulin properly. The pancreas may make insulin but not enough to keep glucose in the normal range. | Varies: food, activity, tablets, injections or insulin |
| Gestational | Diabetes that develops during pregnancy. | Set by the care team during pregnancy |
| Prediabetes | Glucose is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. | Set by the care team |
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, though it can appear at any age. Because the body makes little or no insulin, people with type 1 take insulin every day.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 is the most common form. The NIDDK reports that 90% to 95% of diabetes cases are type 2. Risk factors include being overweight and having a family history of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy. It usually resolves after birth, but it increases the chance of type 2 diabetes later. Read what to track with gestational diabetes.
Prediabetes
With prediabetes, glucose is higher than normal. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. See the standard A1c categories.
Why does the type matter for tracking?
The type, your treatment and your care plan shape what to track and how often. A diary helps in every case. Glycove asks for your type during setup so its tags and reports fit.
Information, not medical advice. Talk to your care team about your own targets and treatment. Never use a converter or a diary entry to work out an insulin or medicine dose.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Which type of diabetes is the most common?
Type 2. According to the NIDDK, 90% to 95% of diabetes cases are type 2.
Does gestational diabetes go away?
It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it raises the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later, so follow-up testing is important. Ask your care team.
Are there other types?
Yes. Less common types exist, for example forms that are inherited or start slowly in adults. A clinician can tell you whether one applies.
Keep reading
A1c vs daily readings
How A1c differs from daily blood sugar readings, what estimated average glucose (eAG) means, and why the two numbers do not always match.
Daily habits and self-careBlood sugar diary
A practical guide to keeping a blood sugar diary: what to record, why context matters, and a simple template you can copy.
Parents, carers and pregnancyGestational diabetes tracking
What gestational diabetes is, the readings care teams commonly ask pregnant women to record, and how to keep a clear diary for appointments.