Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is incredibly common, affecting as many as 37.3 million people in the US alone. This accounts for 11.3% of the population, and as many as 25% of individuals over the age of 65 have diabetes. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, with type 2 being the most common.
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Diabetes happens when blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is too high. Our bodies can produce glucose, but we also get glucose from the food we eat. Glucose is the body’s major energy source, so it is important. However, increased blood sugar levels can be dangerous.
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Diabetes affects a hormone known as insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is the main hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes either make little to no insulin or their bodies don’t respond to insulin properly. Thus, blood sugar levels become abnormally high with diabetes.
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Diabetes can lead to several complications, including kidney, heart, eye, and nerve damage as well as some types of cancer. In order to prevent diabetes or the progression of diabetes, it is important that individuals manage other aspects of their health, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.