Diabetes
What is the condition Diabetes?
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus is actually not one but a group of related diseases. These diseases occur when the body is not able to use blood sugar as it normally should. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important for you to understand which type of diabetes you have. (See Types of Diabetes.)
The different types of diabetes mellitus are all disorders that make a person’s blood sugar too high. Your blood always has some sugar in it, because your body needs sugar for energy. But too much sugar in your blood is not good for your health, and causes the problems of diabetes.
It is not known exactly why a person gets diabetes. Being overweight, a member of a particular ethnic group, or related to family members with diabetes can increase a person’s risk. Diabetes is not an infectious disease, like a cold or flu. You can’t “catch” it from someone else, and no one can catch it from you.
Points to Remember
Diabetes is a lifelong disease that causes your blood sugar to become too high. Untreated, it can cause serious health problems and early death. But by teaming up with your doctor, dietician, and other health care providers, you can control your blood sugar and prevent or indefinitely delay the potentially serious consequences of diabetes.