Elevated Blood Glucose Levels
Diabetes is a condition that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal, also known as hyperglycemia. Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of this disease.
Normally, the pancreas creates a hormone called insulin, which helps the body convert glucose into energy. People with Type 2 Diabetes cannot process their body’s own insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, the pancreas creates extra insulin to try to compensate for the problem. However, over time it cannot keep up with the problem, and blood glucose rises beyond normal levels.
Myth
Diabetes is not that serious of a disease.
Fact
Diabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Having diabetes nearly doubles your chance of having a heart attack. The good news is that diabetes can be managed, and controlling your condition can reduce your risks for complications.