Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or properly use insulin. Insulin is made by your body to control the amount of sugar in your blood. Diabetes often has no symptoms, but if it does, they include: frequent urination; excessive thirst/hunger; weight loss; weakness/fatigue; nausea/vomiting; sudden vision changes; tingling or numbness in hands or feet; frequent or slow-healing sores or infections; recurring vaginal yeast infections in women. There are 3 main types: Type 1 Diabetes: Can develop at any age. It can be successfully managed, but not prevented or cured. Type 2 Diabetes: Most people with diabetes have type 2. Physical activity and a healthy diet can often prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Diabetes in Pregnancy (gestational): If untreated or poorly controlled, gestational diabetes can harm a developing baby.

Pre-Diabetes is a wake-up call. People with pre-diabetes have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels and are more likely than those with normal blood sugar levels to have a heart attack or stroke. Unless steps to control weight and increase physical activity are taken, most people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes.

Unless diabetes is controlled, people with this illness are at risk for other serious complications as well, including:

• Eye problems and blindness
• Kidney disease
• Poor circulation
• Nerve damage
• Foot and leg problems that can lead to amputation
• Skin problems
• Gum disease and other oral health problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Depression
• Premature death

There are several things you can do to prevent diabetes. Blood pressure: Get it checked often because the higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart has to work. Cholesterol: LDL ("bad" cholesterol) builds up and clogs your arteries. Smoking: If you smoke, quit now! Smoking contributes to early development of diabetes-related complications. Exposure to second-hand smoke can also worsen diabetes-related complications. Stress: It can temporarily cause your blood pressure to rise.

The following are levels that you should know:
Glucose (Sugar) Levels:

• Levels up to 100 mg/dL are considered normal.
• Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dL are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes. These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its complications.
• Diabetes is typically diagnosed when fasting blood glucose levels are 126 mg/dL or higher. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003482.htm