Diabetes. It is a chronic disease in which the body does not produce or properly respond to insulin, an essential hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy for daily life.

There are two types of diabetes. In type 1, the body produces very little or no insulin, and the onset of the disease typically occurs in childhood or early adulthood. People with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. In type 2, the body does not produce enough insulin, or cannot properly utilize this essential hormone. Type 2 is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90-95% of all cases, and often emerges later in life.  Diabetes is growing in epidemic proportions. In 1997, more than 180,000 Americans died from complications associated with diabetes.

At the American Diabetes Association, our mission is a bold one: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We are a 57-year-old organization that is supported by more than one million volunteers across the United States, as well as a professional society of more than 14,000 physicians, scientists, nurses, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists, social workers, educators, and other heath professionals.

Today, the Association has regional and local offices that provide services to more than 800 communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Combined, we are taking the lead in the fight against diabetes.