Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar).
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including insulin resistance and a relative lack of insulin.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include family history, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and older age.