Diabetes: The Numbers - Slide 2

What is Diabetes?

• Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose (blood sugar)

• Diabetes can lead to serious health problems and premature death

Note:

• Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar) which results from problems with insulin production, insulin action, or both.

• Diabetes can lead to serious problems and complications, such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and premature death.

Reference

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Diabetes Statistics fact sheet: general information and national estimates on diabetes in the United States, 2005. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, 2005.