Understanding Diabetes

The endocrine system includes not only the pancreas—the organ involved in the development of diabetes—but also the pituitary, thyroid, and other glands.

What causes diabetes? Scientists aren't sure, but heredity, obesity, lack of exercise and other factors play a part.

Looking for vital diabetes facts and figures? Here are statistics for both patients and consumers.

If you're older than 45, you should be tested for diabetes. If you are younger, you should be tested if you are at high risk.

Diabetes affects the way the body metabolizes, or uses, digested food to make glucose, the main source of fuel for the body.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves the regulation of blood sugar and occurs in two different forms, type 1 and type 2.