Diabetes: Test Your Knowledge

The body is unable to use glucose (blood sugar) properly.

Many people with the disease don't know they have it. It most often develops in middle-aged, obese adults, although younger people, even children, can develop it.

The pancreas produces insulin.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin circulates in the bloodstream. Insulin unlocks the "cell door," allowing glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells of the body to be used for energy production.

People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease and neurological damage than people who do not have diabetes.

For daily management, eating raises blood sugar, exercising lowers it. Each must be done carefully to balance blood-sugar levels. Over the years, a balance between eating and exercise prevents weight gain and obesity. Excess weight can make it more difficult to manage diabetes.

The immune system in the body functions to fight off infections. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The reason for this is unknown. Heredity is not necessarily a factor.

Steroid medications like prednisone can raise blood sugar.

According to the CDC, African-Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents.