Diabetes is a health condition in which the blood contains an abnormally high amount of sugar (glucose) because the body generates insufficient or no insulin. Insulin (a hormone produced by your pancreas) breaks down glucose in food so that it may be absorbed quickly by your cells and used for energy. Your body may be unable to make enough (or any) insulin at times, or it may be unable to utilise insulin effectively. Glucose will then remain in your bloodstream, unable to be absorbed by your cells. Having too much glucose in your blood can lead to a variety of health issues over time.

There are three forms of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes. Diabetes Type 1 occurs in children and young adults, when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops in adulthood when sugar accumulates in the bloodstream instead of being stored and utilised as energy, either because your body does not produce enough insulin or because your cells do not respond to the insulin produced. Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy when your body is unable to create enough insulin to cope with the development of the baby and fluctuating hormone levels, causing your blood sugar levels to rise.