Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders marked by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. The pancreas either produces insufficient or no insulin or the cells do not respond appropriately. When you are diagnosed with diabetes, food becomes your chief concern. A diabetic diet is a balanced, nutritious diet that is low in fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

A person who has type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily, and follow a diabetic diet. Symptoms may include constant hunger, weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. Type 2 diabetes - the most common form of diabetes - occurs when the body's cells become resistant to insulin, a condition called insulin resistance. Many of the symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 are similar, only the symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. There are 20 to 50 percent chances of developing type 2 diabetes unless they are maintaining a reasonable body weight. Diabetes can be a leading cause of disability and death.