Diabetes MellitusIntroductionDiabetes mellitus, as defined by the American Diabetes Association, is "a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, l “action of insulin, or both” (Diagnosis and clarification”, 2008). There are many types of diabetes, the two best known forms being type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, previously called "juvenile diabetes", represents only 5 to 10% of people diagnosed with diabetes. It has been found that serological evidence of an autoimmune disease process occurring in the pancreatic islets and genetic markers are both precursors of individuals at risk (“Report of”, 2003). Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, affects approximately 95% of people with diabetes mellitus and results from insulin resistance that gradually increases over time (“Diagnosis and Clarification,” 2008). Diabetes is a serious illness and if poorly managed, it can be responsible for various health complications. These health conditions include, but are not limited to: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and non-traumatic lower limb amputation. According to the American Diabetes Association (2014), diabetes is responsible for more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Although type 1 diabetes is a well-known form of diabetes mellitus, the remainder of this article will focus solely on type 2 diabetes. PathophysiologyThe pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes can be characterized primarily by the occurrence of excess Chronic fuel in those genetically and epigenetically at risk. populations (Nolan, Damm and Prentki 2011). Chronic fuel... middle of article... which must continually be responded to (Nauck, et. al 2009). Conclusion According to the National Diabetes Statistic Report, 2014, 9.3% of the US population has diabetes, with 27.8% of these individuals remaining undiagnosed. The serious and life-threatening complications of type 2 diabetes make it a public health problem that must be addressed. As obesity and genetics are determining factors for the development of type 2 diabetes, education can be considered an essential intervention in the prevention of this disease. Diabetes education could potentially raise awareness among at-risk individuals about lifestyle, diet, and genetic risks related to the acquisition of diabetes. This could ultimately help reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, and/or clarify the signs and symptoms earlier in order to reduce the long-term complications associated with this serious disease...