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 but has affected more than 20 million Americans.

Type 1 Diabetes is commonly described as insulin-dependent diabetes. The bodies of people with Type 1 Diabetes do not produce enough insulin. These people need to take insulin injections. Type 1 Diabetes is usually diagnosed in children. .

With Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas may make insulin but the body may need help using it. Without that help, sugar will build up in the blood causing all kinds of problems.

Type 2 Diabetes, once thought of as a disease only effecting adults, is now one of the fastest growing diseases among children, primarily as a result of obesity. The percentage of young people who are overweight has doubled since 1980.

Symptoms of diabetes might include feeling tired, poor eyesight, urinating frequently, feeling thirsty – or there might be no symptoms at all.  Contact your primary care physician if you feel you have any symptoms.

An important step in lowering your risk of diabetes is to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index. Through good nutrition and exercise, you can delay or prevent Type 2 Diabetes from developing.