When the body stops making enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and cannot get into the body cells. People may have very high blood glucose levels when their diabetes is first diagnosed. The types of diabetes include Type I, Type II, and Gestational. It usually occurs in children and adults less than 40 years old. It develops quickly, sometimes within days.
Treatment requires daily insulin shots.
Without these daily shots, the cells will starve, and the person will die. Treatment also includes monitoring blood sugar levels, following a diabetic diet while eating healthy foods, and exercise. This usually occurs in adults over 40 who are overweight, do not exercise, and have a family history of diabetes. Type II diabetes is sometimes controlled by losing weight, or making dietary and activity changes. Some people may need to take pills or insulin shots or both.