Diabetes is a group of medical conditions associated with the body's glucose levels. In 2007, the American Diabetes Association reported 7.8 percent of the population suffered from diabetes. Three basic types of diabetes are classified, each causing the disease to occur differently. Glucose affects all forms of the disease. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the body's main source of energy and fuel, reports MayoClinic.com. Food and the liver are two sources of glucose. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin and allows glucose to enter the blood stream. Onset and causes of diabetes are often related to insulin and pancreas production.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in children and young adults and was previously referred to as juvenile diabetes, reports the American Diabetes Association. Between 5 percent and 10 percent of diabetics are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Insulin is not produced by the body and daily insulin injections are required to maintain blood sugar levels. Too much blood sugar in the body causes a person to lapse into a diabetic coma. The reason for the inefficient insulin production is closely associated with the body's autoimmune system. The National Institutes of Health reports the body's autoimmune system attacks insulin producing cells in the pancreas. The reason for the attack is unknown, but possible reasons include genetic and environmental factors as well as possible viruses, reports the National Institutes of Health.
Type 2 Diabetes
The National Institutes of Health states the most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, which accounts for nearly 96 percent of all diabetics. The body's cells become resistant to insulin or the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin the body requires, according to the American Diabetes Association. The exact reason for the insulin resistance or reduced pancreas production is not known; however, it is believed to be associated with excess fat and a sedentary lifestyle, reports MayoClinic.com. The association reports Latinos, African-Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders are more common to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
The onset of diabetes during pregnancy is diagnosed as gestational diabetes. The condition often occurs at 28 weeks or later in a pregnancy. The American Diabetes Association reports the exact reason the condition occurs is not known, but there are several clues to what may cause the condition. The pancreas produces a variety of pregnancy related hormones, as well as insulin. The pregnancy hormones assist in the baby developing, but also may block the action of insulin, known as insulin resistance. The woman's body often needs up to three times the regular amount of insulin, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes may not have been present before pregnancy and may not continue after a woman gives birth, advises the American Diabetes Association. About 4 percent of all pregnancies include gestational diabetes, the American Diabetes Association estimates.
