What is the most common form of diabetes?

The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. This type typically develops in adults and is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, often combined with an insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90-95% of all diabetes cases, making it far more prevalent than other types.

Type 1 diabetes, while significant and serious, is less common, affecting a smaller percentage of the population. It typically arises in childhood or adolescence and is caused by an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and generally resolves after giving birth, affecting a short-term period in a specific population.

Type 3 diabetes is a term that has been used less formally to refer to insulin resistance symptoms experienced by some individuals with Alzheimer's disease, but it is not an official classification of diabetes.

Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of Type 2 diabetes is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies, particularly as lifestyle factors and obesity contribute significantly to its rise in the population.