Diabetes has indeed become a global problem, and in almost every country of the world, it is on the rise. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects as many as 16 million Americans. The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, is also becoming increasingly common in The United States. This type of diabetes is strongly associated with inactivity and obesity of modern day living, and is in fact the most common form of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is also now starting to plague developing nations, and is found in children, teens and adults within all racial and ethnic groups. It is a serious disease and should not be ignored. The cause of diabetes is unknown, although genetics plays a role.

The key to managing diabetes is knowledge. Diabetes is a chronic (life-long) condition that without treatment can have serious consequences. It is the number one cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the leading cause of blindness among adults in USA.

With diabetes being on such a dramatic increase in the United States, and in fact worldwide, it's helpful to understand what diabetes is, and what to look for. Diabetes is, simply put, a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. The symptoms of diabetes are often silent and it's not until a complication, often heart disease, happens that a diagnosis is made. If you wait for symptoms in diabetes, then you are already too late. Although the most common symptoms of diabetes are usually excessive thirst, excessive hunger, and excessive urination, other symptoms may include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion, and blurred vision. Although the symptoms in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are similar, they tend to develop gradually in type II Diabetes, and are not as noticeable as they are in type 1 diabetes.

Even though there is no actual cure for Diabetes, it can be kept under control. Monitoring your blood sugar (also called glucose) level can help you take better care of your diabetes. This is easily checked with a blood glucose meter (glucometer), and is one of the most important steps you can take yourself in managing your diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible will help you to feel better, and also reduces the risk of long-term complications of diabetes. High blood sugar can cause heart and kidney problems, blindness, stroke, the loss of a foot or leg, or even kill you. Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, only occurs as a result of treating your diabetes, and it can quickly become an emergency that needs to be treated immediately.

Blood sugar increases after you eat or drink anything besides water, so you have to watch your diet carefully, as too much sugar in your food will give a high blood sugar level. As mentioned previously, being able to check your blood sugar levels on a day-to-day basis can greatly improve your diabetes control. Spreading carbohydrate intake throughout the day also helps to keep your blood sugar levels within a safe range.

While some diabetics can manage their blood sugar levels with just oral medication, others need insulin. You will be guided by your medical team as to the best course for you personally.

Diabetes is a truly global problem, and a very serious disease which is tough to tackle. Diabetes is no respecter of age, class or race and is on the rise, both in men, and women, young and old. The key to managing diabetes is knowledge, so try to equip yourself with the information you need to control your diabetes properly.