We all keep hoping for it: that announcement that will tell the world that diabetes can NOW be cured. It hasn’t happened yet; but we are all still hoping, and the scientists and researchers are still trying to find the elusive breakthrough that will finally lead to a cure for diabetes.

The correct name for diabetes is “diabetes mellitus.” According to the encyclopedia, diabetes “is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).”

There are two types of diabetes, and they are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is almost always diagnosed in children or in young adults, while Type 2 diabetes is almost always diagnosed in adults over the age of 40.

Type 1 diabetes, in very simple terms, is when the pancreas does not produce any insulin or an insufficient amount of insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the pancreas is producing the insulin but the body fails to use it. The result of either condition is diabetes. And diabetes must be diagnosed and treated.

Diabetes cannot be cured. Diabetes CAN, however, be controlled. Type 1 diabetics usually must relay on diet, exercise, and insulin injections to control the disease; while Type 2 diabetes rely on diet, exercise, and sometimes oral medications to control the disease.

There is no known way to prevent Type 1 diabetes. Those diagnosed very often have a family history of the disease. Most of those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are of average weight and are physically active.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or at least delayed with weight loss, dietary changes, and increased exercise. Most of those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are obese and lead sedentary lifestyles.