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Updated: Oct. 29, 2026

Type 2 Type 1 Gestational

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses insulin.

Over time, the body may become resistant to insulin, or it may not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and affects millions of Americans. 

People with diabetes have twice the risk of heart disease. The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk.

How Diabetes Can Impact Your Body

 

Damages blood vessels in the brain, causing a stroke or memory loss.

Damages the small blood vessels at the back of the eyes, leading to vision loss.

Affects how nerve signals travel from the inner ear to the brain, causing hearing loss.

Increases harmful bacteria and causes cavities and gum disease.

Causes numbness or pain that can make it hard to do daily activities.

Damages blood vessel walls and decreases blood flow.

Damages blood vessels and causes high blood pressure, heart attack, or heart failure.

Damages the nerves in the stomach and slows or stops digestion.

Damages nerves and reduces blood supply, causing erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness.

Causes skin infections or changes such as dark patches on the skin.

Reduces how well kidneys filter waste, leading to chronic kidney disease.

Reduces blood flow and damages nerves, making a wound and more likely to get infected, therefore increasing the risk of amputation.

Source: CDC - How Diabetes Can Affect Your Body (pdf)

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Insulin helps move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is used for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age.

People with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day to survive and stay healthy.

Parents:
If your young child has type 1 diabetes, you'll handle daily diabetes care, such as giving insulin injections and watching for and treating hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You'll also need to stay in close contact with your child's healthcare team. They will help you understand the treatment plan and how to help your child stay healthy.

More Information on Type 1 Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is found for the first time when a woman is pregnant. When you are pregnant, too much glucose is not good for your baby.

Risks Factors of Gestational Diabetes

You're at higher risk for gestational diabetes if you:

  • Had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
  • Have given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
  • Are overweight
  • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Have a hormone disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander person

Treating Gestational Diabetes

You can do a lot to manage your gestational diabetes. Go to all your prenatal appointments and follow your treatment plan, including:

  • Checking your blood sugar to make sure your levels stay in a healthy range.
  • Being active, which lowers your blood sugar and makes you more sensitive to insulin.
  • Eating healthy food in the right amounts and at the right times.

If healthy eating and being active aren't enough to manage your blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe insulin, metformin, or other medication.

Preventing Future Diabetes

Before you get pregnant, you may be able to prevent gestational diabetes with lifestyle changes. These include losing weight if you're overweight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular physical activity.

Don't try to lose weight if you're already pregnant. You'll need to gain some weight for your baby to be healthy. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain for a healthy pregnancy.

What Happens After Baby is Born?

If you had gestational diabetes, you should be tested for diabetes six to 12 weeks after your baby is born. In many cases, your blood glucose levels will show that you are no longer considered to have diabetes. What many people don't realize is that new moms who had gestational diabetes will continue to have a greater risk for getting diabetes in the future. So even if the test for diabetes is normal right after the baby is born, these women should continue to get tested for diabetes at least every three years.

Additionally, the children of women who have a history of gestational diabetes are also at increased risk for obesity and diabetes. Be sure to tell your child's pediatrician that you had gestational diabetes so the child's growth and other factors can be monitored accordingly.

Reduce your risk by taking small steps for you and your family. If you weigh too much, you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes if you lose a small amount of weight and become more active. Your children can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes if they don't become overweight. Serve them healthy foods and help them to be more active.