Diabetes

Diabetes affects about 10 to 20 million Americans, which are about 6 percent of the United States population. Because diabetes often runs in families, those with one or more diabetic relatives are advised to be especially vigilant in maintaining a low-fat, low-to-moderate sugar diet and exercising regularly. African-American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American individuals are at a higher risk of developing the condition. A quick, simple test or urinalysis can check for diabetes.  There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors that result in a lack, or complete absence, of insulin. For example, a viral infection can cause the immune system to attack itself.