Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin that is produced is dysfunctional. Affecting nearly 7 percent of people in the U.S., diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and is considered a growing disease. Of the 24 million Americans with diabetes, it’s estimated that only around 18 million patients have been diagnosed. People with high blood sugar can experience increasing thirst, excessive hunger or frequent urination.

The most common types of diabetes include insulin-dependant diabetes (commonly known as type-1 diabetes), non-insulin diabetes (commonly known as type 2 or adult onset diabetes), gestational (pregnancy-induced) diabetes, and prediabetes (commonly known as impaired glucose tolerance, insulin-resistance or metabolic syndrome). All types of diabetes are medically treatable, and type 2 diabetes is by far the most common. 9 in 10 diabetics have adult onset diabetes.

Treatment of diabetes includes maintaining a healthy diet, leading an active life, and monitoring blood glucose levels. Insulin injections or oral medications are needed for many people, as well. Those that undergo the recommended lifestyle changes and treatment are often able to delay or avoid diabetes complications, which include skin disorders, glaucoma, cataracts, nerve damage, ketoacidosis, kidney disease