Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels which result from defects in insulin production. Blood sugar levels are controlled by the hormone; insulin. Blood sugar levels rise after eating, insulin is then released to normalise the level. However, in diabetes patients, insufficient amounts of insulin is produced causing hyperglycemia. Diabetes is a chronic condition which can lead to kidney failure, blindness, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2:
Type 1: Develops when the insulin producing cells have been destroyed, meaning the body is unable to produce any insulin. Glucose then builds up in the blood. Type 1 can occur at any age, though usually appears before the age of 40.
