According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 246 million people have diabetes worldwide. By 2030, it is estimated the number of people with diabetes will soar to 380 million. Out of these cases, approximately 23.6 million or 8% of the population have diabetes in the United States. Unbelievably, over the past ten years, diabetes has doubled in the United States, and it has increased by 3 million just since 2005. Unfortunately in 2007, diabetes killed 284,000 diabetics.

 Briefly, diabetes affects the body's ability to utilize glucose. Glucose, a simple sugar, is the body's main source of energy. There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune system disorder. The body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps the body uptake glucose. Most common in children and young adults, the symptoms may occur suddenly and progress fast.

 On the other hand, Type II diabetes is caused by either the body not producing enough insulin or the inability of cells to utilize insulin. It accounts for 90% of all cases. In addition to family history, the most common risk factors are obesity and lack of exercise. Unlike Type I diabetes, Type II diabetes occurs most frequently in overweight and older individuals. One phrase which describes individuals who get Type II diabetes is "fair, fat, and forty." However, with the rising overweight and obesity rates, it is becoming more frequent in younger adults and children. The symptoms and severity usually take longer to progress and are less than severe than in Type I diabetes.

Certain risk factors may make some people more prone to diabetes. Although there are risk factors for both Type I and Type II diabetes, there are more risk factors for Type II diabetes. Risks for Type I diabetes are:

• Ilness in infancy
• Being fed cow's milk or cereal rather than breast milk during infancy may increase the chances.
• Family history of Type I diabetes
• Having an older mother or a mother with preeclampsia
• A high birth weight

Risk factors for Type II diabetes:

• Overweight or obesity
• Either a parent or sibling with Type II diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Hypertension
• HDL cholesterol of 35 or less or triglyceride levels of 250 or more
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Over 65 years of age
• Race - It is more common in African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders or Latino Americans.
• Diagnosis of prediabetes

 Since diabetes is undiagnosed in 50% of the population, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes. There are a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms may be:

• High blood sugar levels
• Polyuria - An increase in urine output and urination
• Fatique
• Polyphagia - Excessive hunger
• Loss of weight and strength
• Vaginal candiasis - Vaginal yeast infections
• Sores that are slow to heal
• Dry, itchy skin
• Abscesses
• Boils
• Kussmal - Rapid, deep breathing
• Acetone-smelling breath
• Altered eyesight
• Nausea or vomiting
• Oral cavity disease
• Overall pain or headaches
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Bruises that take a long time to heal
• Erectile dysfunction
• Premature menopause
• Sexual problems
• Thrush - Fungal infection of the mouth
• Vaginal dryness
• Neuropathy
• Absent menstruation
• Fungal skin infections

 If you have any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Diabetes can be a silent killer if left undiagnosed, and it can cause a myriad of complications and health problems if ignored. If you have diabetes, by being tested early, you can learn to start controlling your blood sugar and avoid devastating damage.