Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder of the body's ability to use glucose, which is the main source of energy within cells. Under normal circumstances, glucose is transported into cells with the help of the hormone insulin. If the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly, glucose may build up to unhealthy levels in the bloodstream.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For reasons largely unknown, the body's immune system attacks itself, destroying its own insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Eventually, no insulin is produced, and patients must take insulin to maintain a healthy glucose level. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of all cases of diabetes.