Diabetes mellitus - often simply referred to as diabetes - is a condition in which a person has a high blood sugar(glucose) level as a result of the body either not producing enough insulin, or because body cells do not properly respond to the insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas which enables body cells to absorb glucose, to turn into energy. If the body cells do not absorb the glucose, the glucose accumulates in the blood (hyperglycemia), leading to various potential medical complications.

All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but a cure is difficult. Diabetes without proper treatments can cause many complications such as hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Serious long-term complications include chronic renal failure and retinal damage. Adequate treatment of diabetes is very important, and includes blood pressure control and lifestyle factors such as smoking cesation and maintaining a healthy body weight.

At least 171 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, or 2.8% of the population.Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common, affecting 90 to 95% of the U.S. diabetes population.
Managing diabetescan mean making changes in your treatment plan. Diet and physical activity may control your blood sugar at first, but you may need to take medicine down the road. Over time, may need to change medicines, or add medicines, to keep your blood sugar under control. You may even need to use insulin.