Diabetes is a common disorder in which the body has difficulty controlling levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Normally, the hormone insulin, made by the pancreas (an organ in the abdomen), regulates blood-sugar levels. The bodies of individuals with type 1 diabetes, which usually starts by the early teen years, do not make enough insulin to control blood sugar, so these individuals must receive insulin injections.
On the other hand, the bodies of persons with type 2 diabetes are resistant to the effects of insulin. Type 2 diabetes, also known as "adult-onset" diabetes, usually develops in adulthood but can also occur in overweight children.
How does type 2 diabetes relate to excess weight? A family history of diabetes and excess weight, especially weight carried around the middle, are strong risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Losing weight greatly reduces your chances for type 2 diabetes and can help bring your blood sugar under control if you already have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with diet, exercise and oral prescription medications, but it may require insulin shots.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Connection, January 2013
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