Research A-Z
Diabetes
Definition
A variable disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors, and characterized by inadequate secretion or utilization of insulin; excessive urine production; too much sugar in the blood and urine; and thirst, hunger and weight loss.
Type 1: Results from the body's failure to produce insulin. Usually diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.
Type 2: Results from the body’s failure to produce enough insulin, or the cells ignore the insulin. Usually diagnosed in adults and most often in obese individuals.
