Diabetes, commonly known as diabetes mellitus, is a long-term metabolic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. It happens when the pancreas, which produces the hormone insulin, either fails to generate insulin or to utilize it properly to keep blood glucose under control.

There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes or childhood diabetes, since it most commonly affects children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes affects persons in their 20s to 80s and accounts for the vast majority (approximately 90%) of diabetes globally.