Diabetes is a condition that leads to an increase in blood sugar levels; the threshold for fasting blood sugar is 126 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Diabetics either do not use their insulin efficiently (insulin resistance) or do not produce enough insulin, leading to elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to damage to multiple organs.

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. The former is present when the pancreas produces little or no insulin, leading to blood sugar elevation. The body is unable to utilize the absorbed or produced sugar.

Type 2 begins with the occurrence of insulin resistance. The produced insulin does not function properly, leading to the overproduction of defective insulin, eventually burning out the pancreas. About 90 percent of diabetics are Type 2 diabetics. The onset of the disease usually precedes the clinical diagnosis for many years.

Diabetes and its associated cardiovascular diseases are major public health challenges. They are the leading cause of disability and mortality in developed countries. Minorities show a disproportionately rate of development of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is associated with a significant increase in coronary heart disease and stroke. Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease or stroke than non diabetics. Diabetes is considered one of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease.