Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia that is caused by either defective insulin action, defective insulin secretion or a combination of both defects (1). Diabetes can result in acute complications, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia and long-term complications, such as microvascular and macrovascular disease. Diabetes may be classified into three main types: type 1, type 2 and gestational