Diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose level cannot be controlled properly. There are two main types, and they have different causes.
In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. After a meal the blood glucose level rises very high and stays high. Type 1 is treated with injections of insulin, usually before meals, and the person also monitors their blood glucose level and their diet. Injected insulin makes the liver and muscle cells take up glucose, so the level falls.
In type 2 diabetes the body cells no longer respond to insulin properly, so glucose stays in the blood. It is linked to obesity, a poor diet and a lack of exercise. Treatment starts with a diet that controls carbohydrate, regular exercise and weight loss. Some patients also need medicines, and some eventually need insulin.
When the blood glucose level is very high, glucose can appear in the urine, and test strips can detect it. This can help to diagnose diabetes.