Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by a problem with the body's immune system. In a healthy body, specialized cells (called beta cells) in the pancreas make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use energy from food. In diabetes, the immune system mistakes beta cells for invaders and attacks them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, symptoms of diabetes appear. If the beta cells still produce insulin but do not respond properly to the insulin or the insulin produced naturally is not enough to meet the needs of the body, people can work to keep it under control by losing weight, changing their diet, and increasing their exercise. Others take one or more medications, including insulin. Unchecked diabetes can result in death.