Although it is not known exactly which are the causes of diabetes mellitus, seems that there are involved genetic and environmental factors. It is thought that in type I diabetes, a virus or another microorganism that destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin triggers the immune system. In type II, age, obesity, and family history may play a role.

It is known that in type II diabetes the cells have become resistant to the insulin produced by the pancreas, so even if the pancreas produces enough insulin, it may not work as effectively.

The first signs of type II diabetes are lethargy, extreme thirst, and frequent urination, but there can be other symptoms too, like sudden weight loss, urinary tract infections, slow wound healing, and blurred vision.

It is known that there are some categories of persons who are at a high risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus. We can mention obese people, those who have a relative with diabetes mellitus, people who belong to a high-risk ethnic population like African-American, Native American, Hispanic, or Native Hawaiian, persons who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or have delivered a baby weighing more than 9 lbs.

Also, at a high risk are those who have a high density lipoprotein cholesterol level less than or equal to 35 mg/dL and/or a triglyceride level greater than or equal to 250 mg/dL; those who have high blood pressure and have had impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose on previous testing

It was seen that some medications cause a condition called secondary diabetes, impairing the body's use of insulin. For example, this can be caused by treatments for high blood pressure- such as furosemide, clonidine, and thiazide diuretics-, the anti-inflamation drug indomethacin and drugs with hormonal activity like oral contraceptives, thyroid hormone, progestins, and glucocorticorids.

Also, drugs that are used to treat mood disorders can impair glucose absorption, and there can be other medication too that cause diabetes symptoms: isoniazid, nicotinic acid, cimetidine, and heparin.

The symptoms of diabetes can develop suddenly, or gradually. Some classic symptoms are frequent urination, excessive thirst, excessive hunger, feeling tired and sick, and weight loss.

Ketoacidosis, a condition due to starvation or uncontrolled diabetes, common in type I diabetes shows symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, extreme lethargy and drowsiness. This condition can bring death if left untreated.

In order to diagnose diabetes, the doctor analyzes the symptoms and also performs blood and urine tests. These tests can also be used once the patient is on a standardized diet, oral medications or insulin.

In what concerns urine tests, Clinistix and Diastix are paper strips or dipsticks that change color in contact with urine. The test strip is compared to a chart, and in this way it is found the amount of glucose in the urine. It is important to know that blood test is more accurate.

There are other dipstick tests that can determine the presence of protein or albumin in the urine, and also ketones in the urine.

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