Diabetes is defined as agroup of metabolic disorders that leads to an increase in blood glucose levels.

Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)

Diagnosis often requires lab test or imaging

No known cure, treatments available

Can be lifelong

The condition develops either due to inadequate production of insulin, or inability of the cells to make use of or respond to the produced insulin in a proper way, or both. Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive hunger and thirst. Diabetes is treated by lowering and maintaining blood sugar levels.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of diabetes. The common symptoms include:

• Polyuria or frequent urination

• Polydipsia or increased thirst

• Polyphagia or increased hunger

• Unusual weight gain/weight loss

• Fatigue

• Cuts or wounds that do not heal fast

• Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet

• Irritability

• Blurred vision

common ways to prevent diabetes is…

Self care

• Healthy eating

• Being active

• Monitoring- regularly checking blood glucose levels

• Risk reduction- follow measures that help minimize risk of complications