November is American Diabetes Month, and Wednesday is World Diabetes Day. It is important that we raise our awareness of diabetes and the issues surrounding this disease. Many individuals, families and communities are impacted by diabetes nationwide.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use glucose for energy. The body produces glucose from the food we eat. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes (usually diagnosed in children and young adults) and Type 2 diabetes (the most common form and most often diagnosed in adults).

Risk factors for diabetes include: