Complications of diabetes can be deadly

There are two forms of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 basically means your pancreas has called it quits and you aren’t producing the insulin you need to process sugar and carbohydrates. You’ll be administering insulin for the rest of your life.

Type 2, the most common form of diabetes, means your body isn’t producing enough insulin or your cells are ignoring the insulin being released, but you may be able to forestall insulin injections for years.

Potential complications related to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.

Diabetes is just one of a variety of illnesses preying on Americans. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, diabetes joins heart disease, cancer, strokes and respiratory ailments as being among the leading causes of death nationwide.

“Many of us are greatly concerned about what lies ahead with the growth of chronic diseases,” said Ann Albright, president of healthcare and education for the American Diabetes Assn. “If diabetes continues to grow at the rates it’s growing by, we won’t be able to provide for people what we need to provide.”

And that’s if you’re lucky enough to have health insurance. For the 47 million Americans lacking coverage, the situation is a lot more precarious.

“If you’re insured and you’re diagnosed with diabetes, there are a lot of resources available to you,” said Paul Ginsburg, president of the Center for Studying Health System Change, a Washington think tank. “If you’re uninsured, the ball’s in your court. It’s a very serious thing.”

The experts say everyone would benefit from eating a more balanced diet and getting more exercise. And if you notice any of the warning signs -- rapid weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination -- get yourself checked. Fast.

You never know.

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-- David Lazarus