What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high. Cells in the body break down glucose in order to provide energy for movement, growth, and repair. The hormone insulin is responsible for regulating glucose levels in the blood. Abnormally high levels of glucose can damage the small and large blood vessels, leading to Diabetic blindness, kidney disease, amputations of limbs, stroke, and heart disease.

There are three common types of Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is usually (but not always) diagnosed in children and young adults. Persons with Type 1 Diabetes make no insulin and must take insulin every day. Type 2 Diabetes is usually (but not always) diagnosed in adults over the age of 45. In Type 2 Diabetes, either the person is not making enough insulin, or the body is resistant to insulin and cannot use it properly. Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy: 2-4 percent of all pregnant women have Gestational Diabetes. If a woman has Gestational, she has about a 40 percent chance of having Type 2 Diabetes later in her life.

About 17 million persons in America have Diabetes mellitus, but five million of them don't even know it. Nearly 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year. The disease affects men and women of all ages and ethnic groups. African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are more greatly affected than other groups.