About Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease affecting 18 million Americans in which the exact cause is not yet known. The fourth leading cause of death by disease, more Americans die of diabetes than AIDS and breast cancer combined.

Diabetes involves the functioning of the pancreas, an organ located near the stomach. When we eat food, it is broken down into sugar (also called glucose). Insulin, a hormone, made by the pancreas, helps transport sugar inside the body's cells so it can be used for energy. Critical to life, insulin binds to receptors on target cells throughout the body. Only when the receptors are bound can glucose get inside.

With diabetes, the body is not able to use sugar in the normal way. Either the body 1) makes very little or no insulin for its needs or 2) is unable to use insulin efficiently. Without enough insulin, the body cannot use sugar for energy. Sugar starts building up in the bloodstream because it cannot get inside the cells. The extra sugar in the blood stream upsets normal body functions and can result in serious symptoms and illness requiring hospitalization. When the blood sugar remains high for prolonged periods, it may damage organs even if no symptoms are present. The organs that may be damaged include the eyes, heart, kidneys and feet (see complications for more information). Annual prevention testing is necessary to detect early changes to vessels and nerves since these changes happen slowly over many years.

Symptoms: Symptoms that may be experienced include fatigue, blurry vision, frequency of urination, thirst, weight loss, wounds that do not heal, and frequent infections.

Treatment: Includes eating a healthy diet, exercise and medication if indicated.