The symptoms of Type I diabetes almost always come on suddenly. A problem with the body's defense system that has destroyed the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. In Type II diabetes, the body may make insulin, but it either doesn't make enough or can't use the insulin it makes. This is the most common form of diabetes. Although it can occur in younger people, it most often begins when people are over 40 years of age.
Sugar can only get into cells through the cells special entrances.
In people with Type II diabetes, there is a problem with these entrances. As a result, little or no sugar gets into cells even though insulin is present. Because sugar can't get into body cells, it builds up in the blood and the blood sugar level rises. These are risk factors for diabetes. Any member of your immediate family who has three or more of these risk factors should be tested for diabetes.