What causes diabetes is unknown. Genetics may play a role in triggering the disease. Researchers involved in studying genetic risk factors for diabetes believe that several different genes may act together along with other environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet or viruses. Diabetes symptoms are brought on when the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin regulates the flow of glucose, or blood sugar, to and from the body's organs.
Insufficient insulin leads to a dangerously high level of sugar in the blood.
The disease can be severe. It can lead to serious health problems including kidney disease, blindness, heart attacks, nerve damage, as well as impaired circulation which can necessitate amputation of the feet or legs. There are two types of diabetes. Type I, also known as juvenile diabetes, usually begins in childhood. People affected by Type I need insulin treatments because their bodies produce very little insulin by themselves.