Definition of Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough or properly use insulin, a hormone necessary for the absorption of sugar. The American Diabetes Association estimates that almost 18 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the United States and more 5 million more are unaware they have it.

Definition

• Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the sugar created from the food you eat builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the body.

Types

• The two main type of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is more rare with 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed cases, with type 2 being the more common.

Cause

• Improper insulin production can result when the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone--resulting in type 1 diabetes--or from external factors such as obesity and physical inactivity--resulting in type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis

• A blood test is performed to diagnose any type of diabetes. This test measures the level of sugar present in your blood, and can be performed after a fast or normal eating schedule.

Treatments

• Type 1 diabetics don't produce any insulin and must administer daily insulin shots to process their food. Type 2 diabetics produce some insulin, but have become resistant to it, meaning they must manage their condition with proper diet and exercise. Medication may also be necessary depending upon the severity.

Complications

• When blood-sugar levels remain high for too long, damage can be done to other parts of the body, such as the heart, eyes and kidneys.