American Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a rapidly growing health problem. Currently, more than 18 million people in the United States have diabetes. Unfortunately, close to one-third (5.2 million) of those don't realize they have it.

Diabetes is a life-long condition. With proper treatment, however, people with diabetes can continue to lead a healthy life.

Major Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that lets sugar (glucose) move from the blood into the body's cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use. If sugar cannot move from the blood into the cells, the person's blood sugar rises above a safe level and the cells cannot function properly. Read More

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease that develops when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or the body cannot use insulin properly, to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells and be used for energy. High blood sugar can harm many body systems. Read More

Gestational Diabetes

If your blood sugar level is too high when you are pregnant, you have gestational diabetes. It usually goes away after the baby is born. Read More

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is also referred to as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. It is a warning sign that you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Most people who develop type 2 diabetes have prediabetes first. Read More

November is American Diabetes Month

Every November, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages the public to learn more about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease.

Get Your Diabetes Personal Health Decisions (PHD)

Did you know that you can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes or suffering from diabetes complications? See what actions you can take to decrease your risks by visiting ADA's Diabetes PHD developed by Kaiser Permanente.

Diabetes Risk Test

Could you have diabetes and not know it? Find out if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes by taking the ADA's risk test.

America's Walk for Diabetes

Take an important step to beat diabetes. You can contribute to the ADA's ongoing research, education and advocacy efforts by joining together with 200,000 people nationwide for a great workout and a great cause. With every step, you'll help bring us closer to a cure for this devastating disease. Find Out More