Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot produce or react properly to insulin in order to metabolize sugar. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin at all. With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't react properly to insulin. The lack of insulin causes blood glucose levels to soar, leading to a host of potentially serious complications.

Treatment for diabetes varies according to type. Type 1 diabetics require regular insulin injections along with frequent blood glucose testing. Type 2 diabetics may also need insulin, either in the form of injections or oral medications. Diabetics must follow a healthy eating plan to ensure that their blood glucose levels do not get too high or too low.MayoClinic.com: Diabetes: Treatment & Drugs

• Type 1 diabetes symptoms may include:
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Blurred visionMayoClinic.com: Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms
• Type 2 diabetes symptoms can include:
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Vision problems
• Headaches
• Cuts or sores that are slow to healWebMD: Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

1. 23.6 million adults and children have diabetes in the U.S.American Diabetes Association: Total Prevalence of Diabetes & Pre-diabetes
2. Of those, 17.9 million have been diagnosedAmerican Diabetes Association: Total Prevalence of Diabetes & Pre-diabetes
3. Diabetes was a contributing factor in the deaths of 233,619 Americans in 2005American Diabetes Association: The Dangerous Toll of Diabetes
4. About one-third of type 2 diabetics do not know they have the diseaseWebMD: Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes