New information, tips and tools provided on MayoClinic.com Diabetes Center

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

The Diabetes Center on MayoClinic.com provides users with information on types of diabetes, diabetes symptoms and treatment, and strategies for managing blood sugar levels, plus tips to prevent diabetes complications.

An estimated 20.8 million adults in the United States — 7 percent of the population — have diabetes. An estimated 14.6 million adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, but 6.2 million adults (nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

The diabetes risk self-assessment tool featured in MayoClinic.com helps users become better informed about their risk of type 2 diabetes. The risk calculator uses the responses to six questions to calculate a person's risk of diabetes.

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• Diabetes care: 10 ways to avoid diabetes complications
• Diabetes risk self-assessment
• Diabetes Center