Diabetes is a disease characterized by elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels. Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize its own insulin as efficiently as it should. This causes blood sugar levels to rise.

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst 
• Weight loss that is unexplained
• Extreme appetite
• Sudden vision alterations
• Tingling or numbness of the limbs and feet
• Constantly feeling very exhausted
• Very dry epidermis

A person with prediabetes has a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. He or she is at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. 15% to 30% of individuals with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years if they do not make healthy lifestyle adjustments.

There are three primary forms of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.