Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body processes sugar from your blood, which you get from the food you eat. Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the primary energy source that all of your cells use to function. 

In order for your cells to use glucose effectively, a hormone called insulin that comes from your pancreas must facilitate the delivery of glucose into your cells. An issue with this process can arise in one of several ways, dictating the type of diabetes you have:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops because of a problem with your immune system. Your immune system attacks the cells within your pancreas that make insulin, causing a shortage or complete lack of insulin in your system. 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops because your cells become insulin resistant. As a result, glucose builds-up in your bloodstream. This type of diabetes has both genetic and environmental factors causing it. Though it’s strongly linked with being overweight or obese, you don’t have to be overweight to get it. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes behaves similarly to Type 2 diabetes and occurs during pregnancy. After childbirth, it goes away. However, it leaves you at an increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes later on.