Diabetes is a disease that makes it difficult for the cells of the body to get the glucose they need to make energy. There are two ways in which diabetes can make it difficult for the cells of the body to receive adequate amounts of glucose. First, insulin may not be made by the pancreas. Because insulin is needed to "unlock" the receptors, glucose cannot enter the cells. Therefore, glucose levels increase in the blood. This is known as Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens when enough insulin is present, but there is a decrease in the number of receptors on the cells to allow glucose to enter. Even though insulin is present, it cannot be used effectively, a situation called "insulin resistance" that results in high levels of glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1.

Diabetes is detected when your health care provider finds a high level of sugar in your blood or urine. Diabetes cannot be cured. It can, however, be controlled by keeping the level of glucose in the blood within its normal range. You can control diabetes by:
- Eating right.
- Exercising.
- Monitoring your blood glucose level.
- Taking prescribed medications.
- Learning about diabetes.

When you control the level of glucose in your blood, the signs of diabetes become less frequent. You will feel better and have more energy. If you do not follow your diet, exercise, and perform blood glucose tests, serious complications can arise.