Significance

• According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 7 percent of the population of the U.S. has diabetes. More than 5 million people, or approximately one-fourth, aren't aware that they have it. Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. Long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes can affect just about any organ. The eyes, kidneys and heart can all be affected. A frequent complication is nerve damage.
  
  

Types

• Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10 percent of the diabetics in the U.S. A person with this type of diabetes must take insulin to live. It develops most frequently in children. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is usually associated with obesity and physical inactivity. Gestational diabetes occurs for some women during pregnancy and usually disappears after the birth of the baby.
  
  

Managing Diabetes

• If you have diabetes, it is extremely important to be vigilant about blood sugar levels. It has been proven that keeping glucose levels close to those of a person without diabetes can prevent or slow the progress of many of the complications of diabetes. Other lifestyle changes also can be effective in managing the disease. Learn as much as you can about diabetes so you can stay as healthy as possible. Refer to the "Recently Diagnosed" section of the American Diabetes Association.
  
  

Research

• Many organizations are involved in diabetes research. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is doing research in labs and medical centers across the United States. The National Institutes of Health conducts research on the complications of diabetes. Other agencies involved in diabetes research include the CDC, the Department of Defense, the American Diabetes Association and many other organizations.
  
  

The Future

• Researchers continue to search for the cause of diabetes, along with ways to manage, prevent and cure the disease. Many types of research studies are under way. Some researchers are trying to find a way for people with type 1 diabetes to live without daily insulin injections. Other researchers are focused on preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. Others are working on the complications of diabetes. Many people believe that one day there will be a cure for this disease.