Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a metabolic condition in which the body does not properly process the food’s glucose, or sugar, for use as energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the body cells. With diabetes, the body’s insulin production is inadequate and/or the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, because glucose can’t get into the cells, the sugars build up in the bloodstream, causing blood glucose to rise too high.

There are three types of diabetes.

1. Type 1 Diabetes, previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, comprises of approximately 10% of all diabetes cases. In Type 1 Diabetes, the body either stops makes insulin or does not make adequate insulin because the immune system has attacked and destroyed the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This form of diabetes usually develops in children or young adults. Although the risk factors are not as clear for Type 1 Diabetes, autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in its development.

2. Type 2 Diabetes, previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, comprises of approximately 90% of all diabetes cases. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body usually begins with insulin resistance, which results in insufficient production of insulin for proper function. Insulin resistance is a condition that arises when fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin to transport glucose into the body’s cells to use for energy. Therefore, the body needs more insulin to help glucose enter cells. Although the pancreas tries to make more insulin to satisfy the added demand, the pancreas eventually is unable to produce enough insulin when blood sugar levels increase, such as after meals. This form of diabetes tends to occur in adults over 40 years of age, people who are overweight, and individuals with a family history of diabetes. Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity.

3. Gestational Diabetes develops in a small percentage of pregnancies during the late stages. Gestational Diabetes is caused by lack of enough hormone insulin during pregnancy, which results in high blood glucose levels to ensure the baby gets enough nutrients. Although, Gestational Diabetes may lack noticeable symptoms, it can cause complications for the baby. Gestational Diabetes usually disappears after the baby is born. However, women who have had it are more likely to have it again in another pregnancy, or are at increased risk for later developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes may include blurred vision, erectile dysfunction, weight loss, pain or numbness in the feet or hands, skin/bladder/gum infections that are more frequent or heal slowly, extreme unexplained fatigue, increased hunger, and irritability increased thirst and urination. Blood tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, impotence in men, and blood vessel disease that may require lower-extremity amputations.

Beginning in 2014, all new health insurance plans cannot deny coverage, charge extra, or refuse to cover treatments because you or someone in your family has diabetes. Under certain income requirements, people may also qualify to receive aid for paying their premiums and other costs.

The main goal of diabetes treatment is to control your blood glucose level from getting too high. To achieve this, focus on eating well, exercising, and perhaps taking insulin or oral medication. To develop a healthy meal plan, meet with a diabetes specialist at least once every six months, and periodically see a diabetes nurse educator and/or a dietitian. To develop a physical activity plan, meet with an exercise physiologist. Also, for help with the stresses and challenges of coping with diabetes, see a social worker, psychologist or other mental health professional. Exercise causes the body to use more glucose, which means that physical activity lowers blood glucose levels. It can also help to control body weight, to maintain a healthy heart, to sleep better, and to improve your mood.

If both diet and exercise is insufficient, your doctor may prescribe insulin or another medication to help regulate your blood glucose level. Some types of insulin and/or diabetes medications should be coordinated with meals for optimal timing of administration. People with Type 1 Diabetes must take insulin injections. Some people with Type 2 Diabetes may need insulin or oral medications to further assist in controlling blood glucose levels. Diabetes pills are usually safe and effective. But like any other drug, be aware of drug interactions with other medications that are being taken simultaneously. Check with your doctor before starting anything new, even over-the-counter items.

Furthermore, get annual eye exams to make sure that any eye problems associated with diabetes are discovered early and treated before they become serious. And because smoking might have a serious effect on your cardiovascular health, smoking should be avoided. Learn how to monitor blood glucose levels. Daily testing will help to determine how effective the meal plan, activity plan, and medications are working to keep blood glucose levels in a normal range.

Studies show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in those adults who are at high risk of getting the disease. A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also associated with obesity and modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) is a recommended goal.

It is not always easy, but people who make an ongoing effort to manage their diabetes can greatly improve their overall health.