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 vital for daily life. The pancreas, which is located behind your stomach, is the organ that produces insulin to meet your body's needs. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play major roles. There are 2 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. These people can live long, healthy lives by careful attention to monitoring of blood sugar levels, meal planning and exercise. Not being careful will lead to complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves and/or heart. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10% of diabetics.

• 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 and is nearing epidemic proportions, affecting more than 15 million Americans, due to an increased number of older citizens, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Injections of insulin are not usually required to control Type 2 diabetes. The first line of defense is monitoring blood sugar, diet control and regular exercise. If that is not enough, there are many oral medications available to meet specific needs. The same complications are possible as with Type 1 diabetes.