If you are one of the millions of people who have diabetes, or if you know someone with diabetes, then you probably already know that it’s an extremely serious condition and can severely impact your health if it isn’t properly managed. Diabetes is often thought of as a disease that only affects the blood glucose levels in the body, but there are many other symptoms and complications that those with diabetes need to be aware of and careful about in order to stay healthy. Here are 10 facts about diabetes that you didn’t know about!

1) Prevalence

One out of every five people in the United States is expected to have diabetes by 2050.
The word diabetes comes from ancient Greek and means to pass through, which refers to how the body’s sugar passes through itself without being turned into energy.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in their pancreas, typically because it believes that their own body is producing something harmful to it.

2) It can affect any race

Diabetes is more prevalent in African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and Asian Americans than it is in other races. It’s important to be aware of the risk factors that are unique to your race and ethnicity so you can take preventative measures or seek treatment early.