Defining Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a common disorder that occurs when your pancreas either totally stops producing insulin or does not produce enough of the hormone for your body's needs. This results in a low absorption of glucose, both by the cells, which need it for energy, and by the liver, which stores it. Another result is a high level of glucose in your blood.

Eating too much sugar is not the cause of diabetes. This misconception arises because diabetes is characterized by high levels of blood sugar (glucose). Excessive sugar consumption is indeed very dangerous for diabetics, who must curtail their sugar intake. But sugar doesn't cause this disorder.

Two main forms of diabetes mellitus:

Insulin-dependent diabetes - Type I

• Mainly in young people
• Pancreas produces very little or no insulin
• Body is unable to use glucose because of the lack of insulin
• Body is forced to obtain energy from fat which can cause diabetic coma

Non Insulin-dependent diabetes - Type II

• Usually affects people over 40
• Output of insulin is inadequate for your body's needs
• Most common in people who are overweight
• Hereditary

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