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Diabetes is a disease that affects the lives of more than eighteen million people in America alone. However, nearly a third of these people aren't aware that they have the disease. Here's what you need to know: diabetes is a lack of insulin or the body's inability to produce insulin, which turns food into essential energy. As you can imagine, this lack of insulin is dangerous and requires treatment.

There are two types of diabetes referred to simply as Type 1 or Type 2. Whilst they do have some features in common, overall they are very different and are treated in different ways.

How do we recognise these two different types?

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic disorder resulting from the pancreas' failure to produce insulin in the first place. For this reason, this type is found in children and young adults whose bodies are for some reason destroying the beta cells that produce insulin. What this means is that glucose remains in the blood stream instead of getting broken down into energy. Too much glucose in the blood can cause a diabetic coma, and that's why treatment is essential. Insulin injections can help to correct the situation.

By contrast, Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and is often related to lifestyle. This type is the more common of the two. While doctors can't say exactly what causes it, some ethnicities seem to be at a greater risk, as are people who are overweight or who do not exercise regularly. Age is also a factor, with this type of diabetes being more common in older folks. In Type 2 diabetes, the body is failing to take up the insulin generated by the pancreas. You can try to stave off your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, fruits, veggies and whole grains, and exercising on a regular basis.

Exercise is especially important for those with diabetes as it can help lower blood glucose and helps the body respond to the insulin produced. It also has positive effects on stress, circulation and cholesterol. For some Type 2 sufferers a combination of exercise and correct diet can reduce the need for medication.

Diets rich is complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are believed in help in the prevention of diabetes. For people with diabetes however, it is important to be aware of the effect of all foods on the disease, as some carbohydrates are broken down differently and effect glucose levels in different ways. If in doubt diabetics can refer to the glycemic index (usually called GI index) which provides information on all foods and their likely effect.

Finally, consume fiber, which has been shown to keep down glucose levels and is healthy for just about everyone. Opt for healthy oils and fats like olive oil rather than saturated fats, such as animal fat. Eating healthy will help to prevent cardiovascular disease, for which diabetes patients are at increased risk.