Learn about Diabetes

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Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases with high levels of blood glucose (sugar).  This can happen from problems with insulin being produced, how your body uses insulin or both.  The exact cause of diabetes is not known. Genetics and environmental factors appear to play roles.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not use insulin properly. In response to this, the pancreas produces more insulin.  Over time, the pancreas will not make enough insulin for the body's needs.  This results in increased amounts of glucose in the blood while the cells are starved of energy.  After a while, the high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels.  This damage can result in complications.  Heart disease, blood vessel disease, kidney disease, nerve problems, and gum infections are some of the complications.  These complications can lead to stroke, blindness, and amputation.
How can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Some changes that can reduce the risk of diabetes are:

• Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight
• Make wise food choices most of the time
• Be physically active every day
• Take prescribed medications 

Diabetes Resources

Diabetes Information - for kids, teens, older adults and women