What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles in the cause of diabetes.

Approximately 18.2 million people in the United States , or 6.3% of the population, have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.