Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a disease in which the pancreas either does not produce the hormone insulin or does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not know how to properly use the insulin. Insulin is a hormone used by the body to convert sugar or glucose into energy for the cells. Without energy, the cells will not function properly.

Although the cause of diabetes is unknown, the American Diabetes Association cites genetics and elements of individual lifestyles such as inactivity and obesity as possible contributing factors. And while experts do not know exactly what causes diabetes, they do know that a good number of the population suffers from the disease. Statistics from the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases state that as of 2005, 20.8 million people or 7 percent of the U.S. population suffer from diabetes. What’s more is 6.2 million of those people are underdiagnosed. Current statistics show that while it is possible that diabetes can develop in almost any age group, 22 percent of those under the age of 20 and 20.9 percent of those over the age of 60 suffer from diabetes. 1

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Diabetes Statistics fact sheet: general information and national estimates on diabetes in the United States, 2005. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health, 2005.

On the following pages, you will find a compilation of educational resources to better your understanding of diabetes. You will also find links to various websites providing helpful and insightful tips on how you can begin to take charge of your condition and lead a healthy lifestyle.

To help you learn to organize your diabetes information, log on to the Diabetes Health Connection Web site. This free program offers you helpful tips on living with diabetes, tools to help you track and organize your sugar levels, exercise, and caloric intake, weekly articles for motivation and encouragement and much more.

This section provides a list of possible conditions, signs, and symptoms that may indicate you are at risk for developing diabetes.

Learn the purpose of a blood glucose meter and why daily testing is necessary in managing diabetes. You can also find out how to obtain a free glucose monitor.

Diabetics often suffer from problems with their feet. Find out some of the common problems and how to keep your feet healthy.

Just like your feet and eyes, a diabetic’s skin also becomes susceptible to certain conditions. This link provides more information.

More and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes each year. This section provides information for parents as well as links to interactive websites to help children and teens learn to control their disease.

A diabetic must monitor his or her diet closely. This section provides some insight into common questions regarding what to eat and what not to eat.

As a friend or family member of a diabetic, your continued love and support are important to his or her success in self–managing. Read more to find out what you can do to keep your diabetic on the road to a healthy lifestyle.

In this section, you will learn the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as the complications that can accompany both types.

Here you can find some common questions and concerns to share with your doctor.

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. This section provides information about eye conditions common in diabetics and what you can do to protect your sight.

This section provides information about a form of diabetes that develops when a woman is pregnant.

Exercise and physical fitness are important components to managing your disease. Read more to find out how to begin a fitness plan.

This section discusses the emotional stress that accompanies being diagnosed with a disease like diabetes and provides tips on how to cope.

In this section, find links to websites for more information regarding diabetes, treatment, and lifestyle changes.