Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. "According to death certificates data, diabetes contributed to the deaths of more than 193,140 persons in 1996." It is associated with long-term complications that affect every major part of the body. It contributes to blindness, heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, amputation, and nerve damage. Uncontrolled diabetes can complicate pregnancy and birth defects are more common in babies born to women with diabetes.

"Diabetes cost the United States $98 billion dollars in 1997. Indirect costs, including disability payments, time lost from work and premature deaths, totaled $54 billio

n; medical costs for diabetes care, medical care including hospitalizations and treatment supplies, totaled $44 billion.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) often happens when the person with diabetes has not eaten very much, has too much insulin in their body, or has exercised beyond his or her limits. Related signs are: shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, dizziness, extreme hunger, weakness, tiredness and irritability.

In recent years, advances in diabetes research have led to better ways to manage diabetes and to treat its complications. Major advances include:

"Before the discovery of insulin in 1921, all people with Type 1 diabetes died within a few years after the appearance of the disease. Although insulin is not considered a cure for diabetes, its discovery was the first major breakthrough in diabetes treatment. Today, daily injections of insulin are the basic therapy for Type 1 diabetes."

Better ways for doctors to monitor blood sugar levels and for people with diabetes to test their own blood glucose levels at home.

Better ways of managing diabetic pregnancies, improving chances of successful outcomes.

"Due to recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations affecting airline passengers with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association is re-issuing information concerning diabetic passengers. Passengers may board with syringes or insulin delivery systems once it is determined that he or she has a documented medical need by providing insulin with a professional, pharmaceutical pre-printed label which clearly identifies the medication. The FAA recommends that passengers refrain from discarding insulin boxes and come prepared with their insulin in its original box and lancets are acceptable as long as they are caped."

Doctors who specialize in diabetes are called endocrinologists or diabetologists. In addition, diabetics should see an ophthalmologist for eye examinations, podiatrists for foot care and dietitians for help in planning meals. People with diabetes can live healthy lives, knowledge and treatment is the key, and using it is the answer. Avoid stress, which causes the release of certain hormones, glucogan, cortisol and catecholamines. This condition inhibits insulin secretion and increases the production of glucose by the liver from glycogen reserves. Diabetes itself doesn't kill people. However, tho

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