Three: there are in fact three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, sometimes called juvenile diabetes because this is usually when the symptoms are first seen, is the body’s inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the body produces insulin but cannot make proper use of it. Gestational diabetes is a temporary illness developed during pregnancy, with type 2 diabetes symptoms.

18 Million: the number of Americans who suffer from diabetes symptoms in the US. The numbers of people diagnosed with diabetes is rising year upon year in this country, and around the world. Diabetes is a genetic disease and is not caused by bad diet or lifestyle habits. However the wrong diet can lead to obesity, which is a major cause of type 2 diabetes. Stress also does not cause diabetes, but it may aggravate diabetes symptoms in sufferers.

Two Hundred: If after fasting for eight hours your blood sugar level is 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more then it is consistent with either type 1 or 2 diabetes. Normal blood sugar levels should be around 100mg/dL, whereas 125mg/dL or higher is defined as pre-diabetes and should be a source of concern. Once diagnosed, patients should begin diabetes treatment immediately to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Forty-five: is the percentage of kidney failures caused by diabetes. Having elevated blood sugar levels puts extra strain on the kidneys, whose job it is to filter the blood, and often lead to kidney disease or failure. This is why diabetes treatment to control blood sugar levels is so crucial.

92 billion: the number of dollars spent in the US on direct diabetes treatment and control in 2002. In 1997 the figure was $44 billion. People who suffer from diabetes spend on average 2.4 times as much on their healthcare than non-diabetics.

Fifteen: People who suffer from type 1 diabetes live, on average, 15 years less than non-diabetics. Besides the diabetes symptoms themselves, diabetics can suffer from a number of kidney and heart related diseases, and are also at risk from diabetic retinopathy (leading to blindness). Combined with the risk of hyperglycemia, a potentially fatal condition, it is little wonder that life-expectancy is lower. For people suffering from type 2 diabetes, life-expectancy is between 5 and 10 years less than non-diabetics. Proper diabetes treatment can help increase life-span for diabetics considerably.

1/2: Fifty percent of children born from ethnic minorities will develop diabetes at some point in their lives. This is lower than the national average. Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians are all at greater risk of developing diabetes symptoms than their white counterparts.

Zero: The amount that diabetes need affect your life. Diabetes treatment does not necessarily have to include medication or insulin shots. With natural vitamins and minerals, along with a balanced diet, blood sugar levels can be controlled effectively and diabetes symptoms are minimized. Control your diabetes; don’t let your diabetes control you.