Understanding diabetes is important because it is a disease which can cause life-threatening complications if uncontrolled but allows an almost normal life if managed well. An essential feature of diabetes is raised blood glucose levels. The body’s hormone which checks glucose levels is insulin. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting its uptake by tissues to use as a fuel. When insulin production is diminished or tissues become resistant to its effect, diabetes occurs.

The National Diabetes Statistics Report states that over 29 million Americans have diabetes. That is quite significant...  More