Diabetes affects ever-increasing numbers of people in the United States, and people with this condition face serious health issues unless they receive help with managing their condition. Diabetes is a condition that arises when your body is either not making or not using the hormone insulin as it should. Because of this, sugar builds up in your blood beyond healthy levels, causing a range of health issues.

There are several types of diabetes, but the most common is Type 2, which arises when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it. Type 1 diabetes is due to the body not producing insulin because the immune system destroys the insulin-making cells in the pancreas.

Diabetes rarely causes any noticeable symptoms until it reaches a more serious stage, by which time you could be experiencing:

• Constant thirst and hunger
• Chronic fatigue
• Frequent need to urinate
• Blurred vision
• Dry and itchy skin
• Wounds that heal slowly
• Tingling sensations in hands and feet
• Recurrent yeast, urinary tract, and skin infections

If left untreated, your blood sugar can rise so high that it causes difficulty breathing, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, and, in extreme cases, coma and death.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that develops due to lifestyle and health issues, whereas a problem in the immune system causes Type 1 diabetes. That means that while you can’t prevent Type 1 diabetes, you can do a great deal to prevent Type 2.

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Lack of exercise

The most valuable treatment for diabetes is for you to look after your health. Exercise regularly, keep your weight to a healthy level, eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid bad habits.