This causes frequent urination and unquenchable thirst because of the continual dumping of fluids to transport the extra sugar into the bladder. The body is forced to turn to other sources of energy. Its solution is to break down stored fats for their small glucose contents. A by-product of this breakdown, ketone bodies, builds up in the blood and may be extremely dangerous. Cuts and bruises slow to heal.
Diabetes has two primary forms, as well as some minor, transient ones.
This form of diabetes was once called juvenile diabetes because it commonly occurs in younger patients. It is considered an autoimmune disease and results when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, destroying them. The result is a pancreas that produces little or no insulin. The exact cause of the attack on the beta cells is not known, but both genetic and viral factors are believed to be involved. This insulin must be injected daily, and often several times a day.