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Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that can be treated, but, as yet, it cannot be cured. Before the 1920's, diabetics usually died soon after the diagnosis of their disease. Diabetes can be controlled,
however. The more than millions people in the world with diabetes can live long lives, hold productive jobs, marry and have children.
Despite this seeming normality, it must be remembered that diabetes can have serious complications. It is the third leading cause of death in some countries, following only heart disease and
cancer. It is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It causes onequarter of all cases of kidney failure. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, gangrene and nerve damage. And it is on the rise,
with a 6 percent increase in new cases diagnosed each year.
Diabetes in Brief
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not make, or does not properly use, insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps your body use the energy from sugar,
starches and other foods. Glucose is a form of sugar produced when the body digests carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Glucose is the body's major fuel for the energy it needs. When insulin is absent or
ineffective, the blood glucose (blood sugar) level increased. High blood glucose levels can lead to both short and long term problems.
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"This web site is intended to help patients and their families learn MORE about their medical conditions and some of the options available to them.
This information is not assumed to be comprehensive or provide answers to all questions related to the topic of diabetes. This is an informational only web site and is not intended to be used for the
diagnosis or treatment of any specific individual. You must consult with your physician regarding your particular circumstances."
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