Diabetes is a medical condition in which patients will suffer from high levels of blood sugar. Because of this, they will not secrete the correct amount of the hormone insulin. There are three forms of diabetes, and these are gestational diabetes, type 1, and type 2. About 10% of all cases are Type 1, while 90% of cases are type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the islets of Langerhans will be destroyed, and this will stop the body from producing the necessary amount of insulin. Type 1 can only be treated by injecting insulin directly into the body. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the cells in the body becoming less sensitive to insulin. Gestational diabetes may occur in women who are pregnant.

When there is not a sufficient amount of insulin in the body, diabetes will often develop. When carbohydrates are introduced into the body, they will often be transformed into glucose, and this is the primary carbohydrate in the blood. Insulin is important because it will allow the various cells in the body to use glucose as a form of fuel or storage. In addition to this, glucose is responsible for transforming glucose into glycogen. Once the insulin levels begin to drop, glycogen will begin transforming back into glucose. Many doctors work hard to educate patients on the different things they can do to keep their blood sugar levels balanced. Patients need to avoid smoking, high levels of cholesterol, and obesity.