Types of Diabetes Diabetes can be classified into tao main types. Type I, or insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs most often in children and young adults. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, so insulin injections are required to utilize the energy from foods. Type II, or noninsulin dependent diabetes, is by far the most common type. It usually occurs after age 40.
Most patients are overweight at the time of the diagnosis.
While the pancreas of a person with Type II diabetes does produce some insulin, the glucose level in the blood is not kept under control. In most cases, diet and exercise are the treatments indicated. In some instances, oral medications are also used to decrease the blood glucose level. There are other, less common types of diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.