Diabetes

is a disease characterised by

high blood glucose levels

. Normally, these levels are controlled by

insulin

, a hormone produced by the pancreas. There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1

is usually diagnosed early in life.

Type 2

is the most common form of diabetes and usually occurs in adulthood. For many people (but not all) it can be prevented through living a healthy lifestyle.

Gestational

develops during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes. An

Endocrinologist

is a diabetes specialist and often works with a team with allied health professionals including nurse practitioners, dieticians, primary care and exercise physiologists to manage diabetes. Although diabetes is a chronic condition, it can be controlled.