Type 1 diabetes is a sub-type of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a disorder of blood glucose control which leads to high levels of blood sugar and various heart, kidney, vascular and vision problems. Type 1 diabetes specifically refers to an autoimmune problem which causes destruction of pancreatic beta cells (the cells responsible for insulin production). Insulin deficiency means glucose cannot be taken up by cells.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (also known as Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)) is a chronic metabolic syndrome defined by resistance to the hormone insulin. This leads to inappropriate hyperglycaemia (increased blood sugar levels) and deranged metabolism of carbohydrate, fats and proteins.