There are two types of diabetes, the diabetes mellitus and the diabetes insipidus. The diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin completely or produces very little of it. Insulin enables cells in the body to absorb glucose, which is a form of sugar that is got when food is digested and it is the primary source of energy needed by the body. This lack of insulin leads to an accumulation of glucose in the blood and urine, as a result the person suffers turbulence of protein and fat metabolism, constant thirst, hunger and frequent urination.

The diabetes insipidus is not very common and it occurs when the body lacks a hormone known as vasopressin whose function is to control urine secretion.

Diabetes Mellitus is classified into two types. Type I also called insulin dependent diabetes manifests itself during childhood and it occurs when the pancreas completely stops producing insulin. The second type is called the Type II also known as the non-insulin dependent diabetes; it affects adults and sometimes teenagers. This condition occurs when the pancreas produces very little insulin or when the insulin is not properly used by the body cells.

People who are likely to suffer diabetes include adults over 45, individuals who are overweight or physically unfit, those who hail from families who have a history of diabetes. The most vulnerable races include Africans and Native Americans however reports show that Native Americans have the highest occurrence of diabetes compared to others globally.

There are available diagnostic tests for diabetes. One is done through an oral glucose tolerance test where the glucose level in the blood is measured before and after the individual is given an amount of sugar. The other type of test allows one to recognize certain antibodies which are only found in a diabetic. These tests are vital since they can help one detect diabetes early hence reducing further complications brought about by the disease.

Diabetes is treated by controlling the blood sugar level as well as preventing complications. Diabetes natural care involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a well balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis. It is important to note that Type I diabetes insulin injections need to be given two or four times within a day, while the Type II is treated through diet control, weight reduction and exercise.