Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Diabetes, without qualification, usually refers to diabetes mellitus, but there are several rarer conditions also named diabetes. The disease is often detected when a person suffers a problem frequently caused by it, such as a heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia.

It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1. Most Americans who are diagnosed have type 2. It often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.

Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2. This condition is also known as impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance. The cells in your body become more resistant to insulin or your pancreas is not producing as much insulin as required. It is also called impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), depending on the test used to diagnose it. Pre-diabetes is becoming more common in the United States, according to new estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Health care professionals use a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in their efforts to determine whether a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes. With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level in the 100 and 125 mg/dl range indicates pre-diabetes. Using the OGTT test, a patient's blood glucose level is measured after drinking a liquid rich in glucose and a fasting period.

Diabetes testing is encouraged for those with any of several risk factors, as well as for many at various stages of life. But bear in mind that keeping your blood sugar in check now can help to reduce the risk of health problems from diabetes down the road.

Persons diagnosed with diabetes may eventually suffer from damage to the retinas, renal failure, cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, nerve damage and many other health problems.

Keeping blood pressure under control and curbing bad habits such as smoking, not getting enough exercise and becoming over weight are extremely important in the avoidance of serious diabetes complications.

Diabetes can lead to serious health problems and early death, but those with diabetes can take action to manage the condition and reduce the risk of these complications. Diabetes is a disease that affects over 21 million in the U.S. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of early death and disability as well. Diabetes is linked to life long complications that damage almost every part of the human anatomy. It's very serious, but it is manageable.