We have an estimated 50-75 trillion cells in our body, each of which has its own unique purpose and function in order to keep our bodies functioning.   The purposes of these are often defined by the surrounding tissues or organs, though they can be unique in their functioning. 

Metabolism is the energy these cells need to do their functions.  Every single bodily function in every single living organism has metabolism.  Without metabolism, no living organism could survive.  The primary source of energy that these cells use comes from glucose, which is essential for metabolic function.  Glucose is used as an energy source in everything from the smallest bacteria to humans.  However, there are times when the body is no longer able to store and efficiently use glucose in the bloodstream.  Diabetes mellitus (DM) otherwise simply known as diabetes, is a set of related metabolic conditions in which a person ends up with high blood sugar because the body is unable to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood.

When we are healthy and our bodies are functioning properly, the sugar we take from food is broken down into glucose, which is a simple sugar our bodies use for fuel.  This is produced in the liver.  The glucose will then circulate in the bloodstream until it is able to enter the cells as a fuel source.  The pancreas produces a hormone known as insulin, which helps move the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.  When the process is no longer working as it should, diabetes will occur.  This can cause many serious and potentially fatal problems should it not be diagnosed and treated properly.

There are three types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes, which is also known as "juvenile diabetes", is a form of insulin-dependent diabetes that is caused by an auto-immune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.  Type 1 diabetes is fatal unless insulin is introduced back into the body, usually as an injection.  This is the primary type of diabetes found in children under age 10.  In 2006, an estimated 440,000 children worldwide were thought to have this, though the majority of new cases occur outside of the United States.  An estimated 5% to 10% of all diabetes cases in the world are type 1 diabetes.  Though it is considered an illness of the young, the majority of new type 1 diabetes onset cases occurs in adults.  The good news is that, when treated with insulin, those with type 1 diabetes are otherwise healthy and can lead long, happy lives.
2. Type 2 Diabetes, which is also known as "adult-onset diabetes", is also caused by a form of insulin-resistance and is the most prevalent form of diabetes in the U.S. and throughout the world, affecting 90% - 95% of all diabetes patients.  The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been tied directly to the obesity epidemic, believed to cause approximately 55% of all diabetes cases.  When this progresses, it will require insulin treatments.  We can reduce our risk of developing this from of diabetes by 82% if we eat a healthy diet, exercise, drink only in moderation and refrain from smoking. 
3. Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in about 3% to 10% of all pregnancy cases, depending upon the population that was studied and occurs in women who never had never before been diagnosed with diabetes.  It is similar to type 2 diabetes in that it is related to problems with impaired insulin secretion and responsiveness.  Women who are at risk for type 2 diabetes, are inactive, have a poor diet, are obese, smoke or are over the age of 35 are at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.  Though this is treatable, it can harm both the mother and fetus, leading to long term health risks.  Women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy should see a doctor about treating this condition, as it could lead to gestational diabetes or cause other health problems which might also affect her child.  Over the past six years, the number of women who develop gestational diabetes has more than doubled.  This may be in part due to the ever increasing rates of obesity.

Diabetes is a serious and often fatal illness unless properly treated.  The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetes was listed as a primary causes of death on 71,382 in the U.S. in 2007.  That same year, it was listed as a secondary factor on an additional 160,022 death certificates. 

According to the CDC, 35% of adults have prediabetes.  Simply stated, this means that more than one-third of American adults have blood sugar that is high but not quite high enough to be considered diabetes.  While the rates of diabetes are growing, diabetes is not inevitable.  Those who are already diagnosed with prediabetes can dramatically reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes if they lose only 5% to 7% of their body weight by modifying their diet and exercising regularly.

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