Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin and the main objective is to prevent the vascular disease. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease explained by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The treatment is individualized and the goal of the management is to prevent microvascular and macrovascular disease, which account for the major morbidity and mortality associated with type 2 diabetes. Key words: Diabetes, insulin, antihyperglycemic agents.