What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition resulting from inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization (World Health Organization, 2024). It can raise one's blood sugar level and severely damage various body systems, particularly nerves and blood vessels.
In the United States, around 38 million individuals have diabetes, with approximately 90–95% being type 2 diabetes (American Diabetes Association, n.d.; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). Diabetes doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke, occurring at a younger age, with prolonged diabetes increasing this risk further. It is categorized into three: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (developed in pregnancy).
Type 1 diabetes arises from an autoimmune reaction that inhibits insulin production. It can be diagnosed at any age with rapid symptom onset and necessitates daily insulin intake for survival. In contrast, type 2 diabetes involves insulin inefficiency. It is commonly diagnosed in adults but increasingly in youth. Individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).
With the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes, regularly checking blood sugar levels is crucial for detecting it early, especially among younger people. Making healthy food choices and eating healthy meals can significantly aid in managing the condition effectively.










