**6. Gestational diabetes**

Finally, in terms of DM classifications, the American Diabetes Association defines gestational DM (GDM) as DM seen during pregnancy. GDM occurs in approximately 5% of pregnancies, but rates can increase due to obesity. Pregnancies with a diagnosis of GDM present a risk to both mother and child. Women who have a record of GDM will typically develop T2D after pregnancy. Their children have a higher incidence of becoming obese and developing T2D early in life [14].

So, as we can see, ultimately, DM and its resultant health conditions are numerous and include many degenerative diseases such as the above-described six types of DM.

But possibly, this myriad of insidious conditions and diseases could be preventable if we focus research on the pancreatic β-cells (vital to the regulation of glucose levels in the bloodstream). But first, what exactly are β-cells? At this point, we will look at the histological composition of the pancreas in more detail.
