Homespun Lifestyles : Facts about diabetes : Sidney Herald, Sidney, Montana

Facts about diabetes

Published on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 9:09 PM MDT

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Type I Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In Type I Diabetes, the body does not produce insulin.

Type II Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In Type II Diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

� The cells may be starved for energy

� High blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

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