Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood.

Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Type 1 diabetes, which was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, may account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only pregnant women get. If not treated, it can cause problems for mothers and babies. Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but usually disappears when a pregnancy is over. Other specific types of diabetes resulting from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses may account for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Healthy eating, physical activity, and insulin injections are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin taken must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose testing.

Healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing are the basic therapies for type 2 diabetes. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels.

People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care, and keep blood glucose levels from going too low or too high.

People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will monitor their diabetes control and help them learn to manage their diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes may see endocrinologists, who may specialize in diabetes care; ophthalmologists for eye examinations; podiatrists for routine foot care; and dietitians and diabetes educators who teach the skills needed for daily diabetes management.

The causes of type 1 diabetes appear to be much different than those for type 2 diabetes, though the exact mechanisms for developing both diseases are unknown. The appearance of type 1 diabetes is suspected to follow exposure to an "environmental trigger," such as an unidentified virus, stimulating an immune attack against the beta cells of the pancreas (that produce insulin) in some genetically predisposed people.

A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes also appears to be associated with obesity.

Researchers are making progress in identifying the exact genetics and "triggers" that predispose some individuals to develop type 1 diabetes, but prevention remains elusive.

Several approaches to "cure" diabetes are being pursued:

• Pancreas transplantation
• Islet cell transplantation (islet cells produce insulin)
• Artificial pancreas development
• Genetic manipulation

Each of these approaches still has a lot of challenges, such as preventing immune rejection; finding an adequate number of insulin cells; keeping cells alive; and others. But progress is being made in all areas.

Chances are you'll still be able to eat the foods you enjoy. The basics of healthy eating are more or less the same whether you are a diabetic or not.

You'll be eating balanced meals every 3-4 hours that are lower in fat and sugar and higher in fibre. Watching portion sizes will be important in following a diabetic diet as well.

There may be some changes needed to your eating habits that can improve your control over diabetes. Don't feel you need to figure it out all on your own. There are experts available to help you get started.

Start by asking your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian. They will work with you to come up with a healthy meal plan that suits your lifestyle, keeps your blood sugars under control and helps with weight control, if needed.

Following the meal plan is important to reduce your chances of complications down the road such as heart disease or kidney problems.

Yes you can definitely eat occasional treats such as cake. No food is taboo on a diabetic diet, even sugar. Just try to keep foods such as cakes, cookies and ice cream to once a week or less.

Talk to your registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator about working out a meal plan for times when you want to have higher sugar foods. Keep the portion small and eat the cake with a balanced meal.

More often, choose a healthy dessert such as fresh fruit, low-fat pudding or yogurt; and when you do have cake or cookies take the time to enjoy every bite!

There is no need to buy specialty food products for people with diabetes. They are often more expensive and if you only chose these products you would be limiting the variety of foods you eat – and that's no fun!

You can buy everything you need at your regular grocery store. Whether you have diabetes or not, the same advice applies for make healthier choices at the grocery store.

Start with learning how to read labels. You want more fibre and vitamins, and less fat and sugars.