Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can affect people of any age or weight. If not controlled, it can lead to devastating complications such as heart disease, blindness, amputations and even death.

Diabetes explained

As you eat and digest your food, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (sugar) molecules, which are small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose is your body’s preferred source of fuel, providing energy for every cell in the body.

A chemical in the pancreas called insulin regulates the amount of glucose that is distributed through the bloodstream to the body's other organs.

People with type 1 diabetes, which typically begins in childhood or young adulthood, do not have enough cells in the pancreas to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. As a result, too much sugar is circulated in the bloodstream, causing damage to blood vessels and organs.

Those who have type 1 diabetes usually are not overweight, but require treatments for life.

People with type 2 diabetes, typically adults, have cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, but their bodies have become resistant to it. Over time, the pancreas may stop functioning and people with type 2 diabetes may require insulin shots. Studies show that 85 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Preventing type 2 diabetes

• Improve your eating habits and exercise more so your body maintains stable blood sugar levels.

• Lose weight. Even 10 lbs. can make a difference in your body’s ability to distribute glucose.

• Improve your ability to handle your emotions. Managing stress and sleep is essential to your body’s health. Too little sleep and high anxiety can influence your body’s ability to create insulin.

Statistics on diabetes

• 30.3 million Americans have diabetes. 23.1 million are diagnosed and 7.2 million are not.

• Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

• 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year.

• 193,000 Americans under the age of 20 will be diagnosed with diabetes this year.

Source: American Diabetes Association