Diabetes is having too much sugar (glucose) in the body but not enough in the body's cells, as well as when insulin does not exist in the right levels and is not utilized properly. It can be an extremely serious illness, and if not treated properly, can result in heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney issues. However, treatments depend on the type and severity of diabetes. The four types of diabetes are:

Type 1: The pancreas makes little or no insulin. Symptoms tend to appear quickly, and generally occur in children and young adults.

Type 2: Again, the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. This type generally occurs in persons who are overweight, lack in regular exercise and are over the age of 40. These symptoms tend to come on slowly.

Pre-diabetes: Blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Modest weight loss and regular, moderate physical activity can delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

Gestational: This only occurs during pregnancy, and most likely ends after pregnancy, but it can increase the risk for the mother to get diabetes in the future.

Follow your doctor's recommendations for screening tests and visit the American Diabetes Association at http://www.diabetes.org/.