Diabetes is a monumental problem in the United States and it is getting worse. Obesity has done much to contribute to the growth of the disease. As Americans grow fatter and become more sedentary, the disease has grown exponentially until it is now a problem that costs us more than $40 billion annually in health care, hospitalization, and disability. In 2002, it was the 6th leading cause of death in the nation, although the numbers do not represent every death whose contributing cause was diabetes. There is no doubt that diabetes is a real killer. 65% of diabetics die from heart disease and stroke, and cardiovascular disease is just one of several potentially deadly complications associated with the disease.

If you or someone dear to you suffers from diabetes, you know how critical it is to manage the disease. The better control one has over blood sugar, the healthier a lifestyle one can maintain. There are many ways of keeping blood sugar normal. Losing weight can have a large impact, as can exercising often. Diet can manage blood sugar for some; others will need medications. Some diabetics believe in natural supplements to help them maintain control. Finally, for Type 1 diabetics and for Type 2 patients with poor blood sugar control, insulin can often keep diabetes in check.

There are several symptoms of diabetes, and anyone suffering from them is urged to be tested, as early diagnosis is important. Symptoms include excessive thirst or hunger, inexplicable weight loss, frequent urination, blurry vision, tiredness, and irritability. Ignoring these symptoms is dangerous.

Learning you have diabetes is devastating, but there has never been a better time to have the disease. Only in recent history have physicians been able to tackle diabetes So much has been learned since insulin was offered beginning in 1921. Currently, there is a world of research is going on, new drugs are being tested, and there are so many more healthy selections in grocery stores and restaurants. While diabetes should be taken seriously, it does not have to be the defining characteristic of your life.