Diabetes runs in my family. Can you explain what causes it and recommended preventative care?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which controls glucose/sugar levels in the body and the rate at which glucose is absorbed into cells.

Glucose is important for the production of energy in our bodies. When things go wrong in the body, especially with insulin, blood/glucose levels can build up in the blood stream, resulting in a phenomenon/condition called hyper glycaemia.

If hyper glycaemia is left untreated, it may result in damaging the eyes/heart/nerves (especially in our limbs), kidneys and blood vessels.

There are two major types of diabetes. Type one, insulin dependent diabetes, and type two, non-insulin dependent diabetes, aka diabetes mellitus.

Type one diabetes usually starts at an early age. It is thought to result from a defective immune system, which attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells. People with this type of diabetes usually end up using insulin injections for the rest of their lives.

Type two diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. In this type, the pancreas is still functioning, but may produce small amounts of insulin.

Sometimes the cells may also become resistant to what little insulin there is left in blood, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

Many people have this type of diabetes and are not aware of it. In the past, it was usually found later in life, but recently it is starting to show up in younger people. It is much more common in certain ethnic groups, such as people of African descent/Latin descent/Asian descent as compared to Caucasians.

Another type of diabetes, called gestational diabetes, is usually found during pregnancy. It can affect up to four per cent of pregnant women. It is thought to be due to hormone changes, which can make the cells insulin resistant. It usually clears up after the birth.

Other rare forms of diabetes could occur due to other pancreatic disturbances, hormone disturbances and certain medicines.