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Basic Diabetes Information
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 is a mystery, although both genetics
and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of
exercise appear to play roles. There are two major types
of diabetes:
- Type 1 - A disease
in which the body does not produce any insulin, most
often occurring in children and young adults. People
with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin
injections to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes accounts
for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes.
- Type 2 - A
metabolic disorder resulting from the body's
inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin.
It is the most common form of the disease. Type 2
diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions, due
to an increased number of older Americans, and a
greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary
lifestyles.
Excerpt
from American Diabetic Association
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