Heart disease, hypertension, nerve damage, vision problems, liver damage...These are some of the complications of diabetesa chronic and growing disease in which the body cannot use sugar properly. Worldwide, health experts estimate that cases of the disease have rocketed from 30 million to 230 million in recent years. In the United States, more than 23 million children and adults--nearly 8% of the population--have diabetes. "Diabetes is this massive tidal wave hitting the country," reports USA TODAY, the Nation's No. 1 newspaper. In this book, you'll read case studies of people living with diabetes and follow the diagnoses, medical interventions, and lifestyle changes that help bring the disease under control. You'll learn about the history of the disease and factors driving its increased prevalence. And you'll discover what the risk factors and treatment options are so you and your friends and family can avoid contracting diabetes and support those who do have it.