04/03/2025
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use insulin properly.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
The body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes
The body doesn't produce enough insulin or the body's cells don't respond to insulin properly.
Symptoms and complications
High blood sugar levels
Damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves
Increased risk of some types of cancer
Diagnosis
A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two different tests
A hemoglobin A1C (A1C) test of 6.5% or higher
An oral glucose tolerance test of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher two hours after drinking a special sugar drink
Prevention and management
Taking steps to prevent or manage diabetes may lower your risk of developing diabetes health problems.
Genetic factors
Some rare forms of diabetes are caused by a variant in a single gene.
Cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, and other genetic diseases can also contribute to diabetes.
