The origin of diabetes has not been satisfactorily determined. It was formerly supposed to be a disease of the kidneys, but modern research has established the fact that the kidneys are merely the intermediaries for excreting the sugar contained in the urine. It is now supposed that the pancreas, liver, and base of the brain, are the principal organs originally affected, and the probable source of this disease. The disease of diabetes is principally characterized by an excessive elimination of urine of high specific gravity, containing a large amount of grape sugar - technically called glycosuria.

It is dependent upon a morbid condition of the system, which prevents the grape sugar contained in the foods being properly taken up by the different organs of the body. Starch is converted into grape sugar, which is greatly increased in diabetes by the constant use of starchy or saccharine foods. This is due to perversion of storage capacity of glycogen in the liver and muscles, and insufficient consumption of sugar in the tissues, because the cells of diabetic patients are unable to perform their sugar-consuming functions. The causes are heredity, infectious diseases, diseases of the pancreas, great mental worry, over-eating and shock to the nervous system. The disease is most common in Southern Italy and India. Of the races, the Jews are most subject to the disease.

Diabetes is fatal in children and is exceedingly dangerous to those so afflicted under the age of thirty, and they especially should completely exclude from their diet"list all starches and sugars. In those over forty-five it is not so dangerous to health as to allow them the moderate use of starchy foods. It should be borne in mind, that it is more important to keep up the strength of the patient, than to reduce the sugar in the urine.

All diabetics should be unconditionally allowed the use of all varieties of meat, such as beef, veal, mutton, fowl, game, pork, tongue, brain, sweet-breads, kidneys, marrow bones, cured meats, fresh fish, shell-fish, preserved fish, oils, eggs, milk, cheese, nuts (except chestnuts), lettuce, endives, spinach, onions, leeks, asparagus, cabbage, meat soups without sugar or flour. Fats and oils are especially useful in this disease.

Gluten and bran bread, without the starch of the flour, may be used, but ordinary bread sparingly, if at all.

Sugar, jellies, sweetmeats, pastry, sweet wines, all flour, cereal or other starches, potatoes, honey, sweet fruits, are forbidden.

Diabetics must be kept free from worry or exhausting labor, and should drink carbonated waters, lemon juice, weak coffee without milk or sugar, but saccharin may be used. Whiskey is frequently useful, but no beer. Regular habits are of greatest importance.