Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t produce, or properly use, insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into the energy required for daily life.
The cause of diabetes is still a mystery. Still, genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, seem to play a role.
Know the warning signs
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms appear to be harmless. If you or a loved one experience any of the typical warning signs noted on the link below, check with your doctor.
Learn about the 4 main types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes results from your body’s failure to produce insulin, a hormone that “unlocks” the body’s cells and allows glucose to fuel them.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin, combined with insulin deficiency. Most Americans with diabetes have type 2.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is when a pregnant woman, who has never had diabetes before, has high blood sugar during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes occurs when your blood glucose levels or A1C levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.