DIABETES IS A CHRONIC DISEASE. CURRENTLY 21 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE USA HAVE DIABETES AND ONE THIRD OF THEM DO NOT EVEN KNOW IT.

Diabetes is a lifelong disease that can impact a person's physical, social,
and psychological well-being.  With diabetes, the body does not process the glucose (sugar) from food because of the absence or ineffective action of the hormone insulin. This results in high blood glucose levels which, ifleft untreated, can lead to complications, such as heart disease, stroke,high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, amputations, dental disease, and complications during pregnancy.  With proper medication, counseling, and education, individuals with diabetes can learn to manage their disease and to live a healthy, productive, and satisfying life.

DIABETES AFFECTS ALL AGES There are several types of diabetes. Type 1, formerly known as juvenile onset, is usually diagnosed in patients under the age of 30. Patients with Type 1 diabetes have the inability to make insulin. Type 2, formerly known as adult onset diabetes, is usually diagnosed in patients over the age of 40. Patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes do not have the ability to properly use insulin, otherwise known as insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes in pregnancy when the body demands more insulin than it can produce in these individuals. Gestational diabetes usually dissipates after the child is born. It may, however, leave the mother with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.