Diabetes

A general term referring to the body's inability to regulate blood sugar and typified by elevated blood sugar. Type I diabetes (juvenile onset diabetes) occurs almost exclusively in younger individuals. Type I is caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin. Type II diabetes is seen mostly in older adults. It is characterized by a relative resistance to insulin rather than deficient insulin. Uncontrolled high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause severe metabolic disturbances, coma, and seizures. Classic symptoms include polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger).