Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin or inadequate use of insulin, which is produced by special cells in the pancreas. Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into your cells so that they can use it for energy.

If your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or your body doesn’t use the insulin properly, excess glucose remains in your blood and urine which indicates diabetes. It is this excess of glucose in the blood which leads to the long-term adverse effects of diabetes.

Diabetes symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1
This occurs when the body produces no insulin and is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. All people with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections so their bodies can use glucose from foods.

Type 2
This occurs when insufficient insulin is produced or when cells do not properly use the insulin that is present. Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people and certain ethnic groups. Some patients’ type 2 diabetes can be controlled with oral medications while others need insulin injections to help their bodies use glucose.

Pre-diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is often preceded by pre-diabetes which is an elevated blood sugar level that is not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. However, damage to the body as a result of this elevation in blood sugar can occur. Managing your blood sugar in this phase can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes
Women who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy may develop gestational diabetes which can cause problems for the mother as well as the developing fetus. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery.

For more information on diabetes, you can visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org