<s>[INST] What is diabetes? [/INST] According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.  The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and enviromental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play a role. Source: Western Illinois University. Link: https://www.wiu.edu/coehs/dfmh/bella_hearst/faq.php. Field: Endocrine. Disease: Diabetes </s>