Diabetes Basics

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Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.

In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.

Recently Diagnosed

Get the information and support you need during the early weeks and months after your diagnosis.

Treatment & Care

Stay one step ahead of your diabetes with these treatment strategies.

Blood Glucose Control

Learn how to monitor your blood glucose (sugar) with the latest tools.

Complications

Learn how to cope with health issues related to your diabetes.

Medication

Get more information about types of medications and how they work.

Your Health Care Team

Work with your doctors to create the best treatment plan for you.

A1C

Get an overall picture of your average blood glucose for the past two to three months.

Genetics of Diabetes

Find out what leads to diabetes and the genetic links that may be factors.

Diabetes Statistics

There are 23.6 million people in the United States, or 7.8% of the population, who have diabetes.