In the past few years, cases of diabetes have skyrocketed to a staggering 16 million. One of the biggest problems that has been realized by the nation's doctors is that Americans know shockingly little about the disease or the importance of early detection.

A lot of these cases, actually could have been prevented. Dr. Curtis Harris, an Okalahoma physician, says "the vast majority of people living with the disease have type II". A disease that is often an overlooked killer. He went on to say "In fact if you look worldwide, the major killer of adults is diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They go hand in hand."

There are two types of diabetes, type one diabetes and type two diabetes. People with type I diabetes generally have a total lack of insulin, while people with type II diabetes generally have too little insulin or can not use insulin effectively. Without insulin, the body can't absorb sugar, or glucose, which cells need to produce energy.

How are the two types of diabetes different? Type II diabetes usually starts in young adulthood, while type I diabetes is usually detected much earlier.

With type II diabetes, no episodes of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar level unless taking insulin or other diabetes medications cannot be prevented. In fact it can be prevented or delayed by living with a healthy lifestyle including maintaining a healthy body weight, eating sensibly, and exercising regularly.

How are they alike? Both types of diabetes greatly increase a person's risks of a range of serious complications. Although monitoring and management can usually prevent most complications. Diabetes remains the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure. It also continues to be a critical risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and foot or leg amputations.

Here are some more facts about diabetes that you should know:

1. Eight out of ten people living with diabetes are overweight.

2. Your chance of developing diabetes is higher if you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling with diabetes.

3. For reasons not yet clear, Blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians have high rates of diabetes.

4. The less physically you are, the greater the risk of developing diabetes.

Thanks for reading and may God bless you always, and in always.