Diabetes This disease is caused by defective carbohydrate metabolism. It causes large amounts of sugar in the blood and urine. It can damage the kidneys, heart, eyes, limbs, and endanger pregnancy. About five percent of the United States population has it and about half are undiagnosed. A diabetic that is treated life span is lowered by one-third There are two types of diabetes. Type I, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). And type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Type I This type usually occurs in children and young adults, it is known as one of the autoimmune diseases. It is 10-15 percen