Pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus

The most common types of diabetes observed in a primary care practice are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterized by total destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, whereas insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and inappropriate hepatic glucose secretion characterize type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes, but is first diagnosed during pregnancy.