Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is related to the hormone insulin, which is secreted by cells in the pancreas, regulates the level of glucose in the blood and helps the body break down glucose to use it for energy. In a person with diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to the insulin produced. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. I will talk about type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM or juvenile diabetes, results from the body's inability to produce insulin. It is an autoimmune disease characterized by a failure of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, leading to a shortage of insulin. Type 1 diabetes is immune-mediated in nature, with beta cell loss being a T cell-mediated autoimmune attack. Most people are healthy, at a healthy weight, when the sudden onset of diabetes occurs. type 1. It can occur at any age, especially young, hence “juvenile diabetes”. This has some connection with heredity. Various factors contribute to type 1 diabetes as well as genetics and exposure to certain viruses. Signs and symptoms appear suddenly and include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), extreme hunger (polyphagia), weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Some known risks are family history, genetics and geography. Other possible risk factors include viral exposure, low levels of vitamin D, and drinking water containing nitrates may also increase risk. The most common type is type 2 diabetes mellitus, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus...... middle of article... list of support groups to help with coping lifestyle and help the family provide emotional support. Ninety-eight billion dollars are spent each year in the United States to treat diabetes. As there is still no cure, research has not stopped. Just because someone has diabetes doesn't mean their life has to be over. With proper management, diet, exercise, education and support, a person does not need to be overwhelmed by diabetes, but rather gain the upper hand over diabetes. Control is the key to the lifestyle adjustment a diabetic patient needs. Works Cited Milchovich, S. (2011). Diabetes mellitus, a practical manual. Bull Publishing Companyhttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-1-diabetes/ds00329.American Diabetes Association (2009). The Simple Guide to Diabetes Complications. 3rd edition http://www.drugs.com/diabetes-treatment.html