1 What Is Diabetes?
Your body runs on glucose — fuel for every cell. Diabetes mellitus is when blood glucose stays dangerously high because insulin isn't doing its job.
Without glucose entering cells, your body burns fat instead, producing toxic ketone bodies that can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, coma, or death.
Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the US. Adult cases have more than doubled since the 1980s.
Source: CDC NHANES 2001–2023
2 Type 1 vs. Type 2
Type 1 — autoimmune. Your immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells. Requires lifelong insulin. Accounts for 5–10% of cases. Peak diagnosis age: 10 years old.
Type 2 — insulin resistance. Cells stop responding to insulin. Accounts for 90–95% of all cases. Eventually, the insulin-producing cells get exhausted.
Highest increases among Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Black youth. Meanwhile, adult incidence declined 3.1%/yr — trends are diverging.
1 in 3 people are not diagnosed.3 How It Develops
When you eat, sugar hits your bloodstream. Your pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose. In a healthy body, this works smoothly.
But with excess sugar, inactivity, or excess weight — cells start ignoring insulin. This is insulin resistance.
US overweight prevalence: 31.1%. Obesity: 42.5%.
People 45 and older, or those with risk factors, should be tested regularly. The USPSTF lowered the recommended screening age from 40 to 35 in 2021.
At least 1 in 4 overweight/obese adults went untested in 3 years. Adults aware of prediabetes are 2x more likely to pursue lifestyle changes. Screening saves lives.
Source: CDC PCD 2023
4 Treatment & Diet
The central goal: blood glucose control. The most powerful tool? Your plate.
Why fiber matters: it slows digestion and glucose absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes.
Exercise helps cells use insulin more effectively — one of the most powerful interventions.
Treatment spectrum: lifestyle changes → oral medication → insulin injections, depending on type and progression.
Scan for the full interactive experience 5 Risks & Complications
High blood glucose doesn't just make you feel bad — over time, it destroys your body:
And diabetic ketoacidosis — when your body can't use glucose, it breaks down fat, flooding your blood with toxic ketones. Below 70 mg/dL: hunger, shakiness, dizziness — it can cause fainting or coma.
Source: Diabetologia meta-analysis, 2010–2020
6 Living With Diabetes
Living with diabetes isn't about deprivation — it's about balance.
- Eat regularly to balance insulin effects and avoid hypoglycemia — consistent meal timing keeps glucose stable
- High-fiber carbs, lean proteins, unsaturated fats, low-fat dairy
- Stay active — exercise is one of the most effective tools for glucose control. Even a short walk after a meal makes a measurable difference
- Monitor blood glucose consistently — control is the central goal
- Limit sugary drinks and eat a heart-healthy, plant-based diet
Type 2 is preventable. Lose excess weight. Exercise more. Get screened. Small changes in diet and activity can dramatically reduce your risk.
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