Diabetes occurs due to a lack of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, and it helps regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. When there is an insulin deficiency, blood sugar levels, or glucose levels, become too high. Insulin plays a crucial role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
People with diabetes (high blood glucose levels) may not experience symptoms immediately. When symptoms do appear, they can include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, bad breath, thirst, or frequent urination. In the later stages, symptoms such as blurred vision and problems with the nervous tissue may arise. Over the long term, more serious complications can develop, including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and reduced vision. The primary focus of diabetes treatment is on preventing both short- and long-term effects.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced but in insufficient amounts, and this type is more common than type 1. Treatment for type 1 diabetes almost always involves insulin injections, while type 2 diabetes is typically treated first with metformin (Metformin or Glucophage).