Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environment appear to play roles. There are two major types of diabetes:

• TYPE I (INSULIN DEPENDENT). An autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type I diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive.
• TYPE II (NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT). A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough or properly use insulin, it is the most common form of the disease.