Diabetes

What is diabetes? Why does it happen? What are the main types? This section serves as a diabetes encyclopedia and starting point.

Diabetes is defined by impaired insulin production or reduced sensitivity of the body’s cells to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas and plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy or storage in the liver and muscles. When this process is disrupted, blood glucose levels rise and can affect multiple systems in the body.

Persistently elevated blood glucose levels, combined with autoimmune mechanisms, can lead to damage affecting nerves, eyes, kidneys, and the cardiovascular system.

Diabetes can occur at any age, and its prevalence continues to rise worldwide. Currently, hundreds of millions of people are living with diabetes globally.

Last updated: January 2026