Originally insulin was produced using natural sources like porcine pancreas, but most of the insulin nowadays is produced using genetic engineering: either copying human insulin directly, or human insulin which contains modified molecules which provides a different duration of action and time of onset in different patients. The second type of diabetes can be treated with a combination of tablets, injections and lifestyle adjustments. In this type, lifestyle adjustments like diet regulation and inclusion of exercise in the daily regime are needed to manage the blood sugar level. Diabetes of the first type is treated usually with an injection of insulin. It is also possible to administer insulin using a special pump which provides insulin subcutaneously through a catheter, which is changeable.

All types of diabetes are treatable with insulin which was made available medically in the year 1921. All types of diabetes are chronic disorders. While gestational diabetes is cured once the child is delivered, the first and second types of diabetes are chronic disorders.