Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the body requires to convert food into energy (mainly sugar), which is needed to function properly. Without insulin, the sugar (glucose) is not taken from the blood into the cells. If the glucose stays in the blood and cannot be used by the body cells, the cells may be starved of energy and your body cannot function properly. In the long-term, these high blood glucose levels may also affect your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

The causes for someone developing Diabetes are still a mystery but both genetics and environmental factors such as poor diet, being overweight and lack of exercise appear to play a role.

The two most common types of Diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: In this form of diabetes the body produces little or no insulin and therefore the cells are not able to use sugar. As a result the blood glucose (sugar) level can go up very high and can put a patient into a coma. Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common form of Diabetes and is associated with obesity and physical inactivity. It usually develops after the age of 40 years. It is caused either by lack of enough insulin or lack of effect of insulin even though produced in enough quantities (called insulin resistance).