Diabetes Mellitus, or diabetes, is a disease caused when the body doesn't make enough insulin, or can't use the insulin it makes. Normally, the pancreas, a gland in the body, makes insulin. Insulin drives blood glucose, or blood sugar, into body cells so they can do their job. The foods we eat often turn into glucose.

Fourteen to 16 million Americans have diabetes. About six to seven million others have the disease and do not know it. 90 to 95 percent of the people with diabetes have Type II, or non-insulin dependent diabetes. In Type II diabetes the body does not use insulin correctly. Type II diabetes usually happens after age 40, especially in overweight, inactive people. It runs in families and is more common in some races than others. Type II diabetes develops slowly, usually over many years.

When the body cannot use insulin correctly, glucose and insulin build up in the blood stream. Hyperglycemia is another work for high glucose in the blood. Symptoms of this include feeling weak and tired, weight loss, and increased urination, thirst and hunger.

Type II diabetes is sometimes controlled by losing weight, or making food and activity changes. Some people will need to take pills or insulin shots. Work with your doctor to control diabetes.

Uncontrolled diabetes causes many problems, such as:
* heart and kidney disease,
* blindness,
* stroke,
* nerve damage, and
* blood flow problems.

Keeping diabetes under control reduces the chances of these problems. Call your doctor if you or a family member has the symptoms of diabetes. If you are diagnosed with Type II diabetes, follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

To learn more, call your local Diabetes Association, or call (800) 232-3472.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go