Easy Explanation of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which your body does not use or produce insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas, and is necessary for the absorption of sugar. This sugar, commonly called glucose, is your body's main source of fuel.

Two Main Types

• Type 1 diabetes is the most serious, and occurs when the body produces no insulin at all. Type 2 diabetes is the most common, affecting up to 95% of the diagnosed population. Type 2 diabetics do produce some insulin, but their body's cells have become resistant to it.

Causes

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning your immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by obesity, physical inactivity and family history.

Diagnosis

• In order to diagnose diabetes, your blood must be tested for the level of sugar present. This can be done after a normal eating schedule or a fast. If your levels come back higher than normal, it could indicate diabetes. Additional tests are usually done on a later day in order to confirm.

Treatments

• Since type 1 diabetics make no insulin, they require daily insulin injections in order to process their blood sugar properly. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with proper diet and exercise, although medication may be necessary for more severe forms.

Prevention/Solution

• Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but your risk for type 2 may decrease simply by eating healthier foods and exercising regularly.