Diabetes: The Silent Killer Approximately 25 million Americans have diabetes; it's called the "silent killer" because almost half of those 25 million people have no idea they have the disease; he can strike and kill without warning. I am interested in this disease because my grandfather and my maternal great-grandmother suffered from diabetes. However, both suffered from late-onset, or type II, diabetes. Diabetes mellitus causes many serious complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness, among others. It can destroy major organs in your body; Left untreated, it can cost you your life. What is diabetes mellitus? The official definition is: a condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin, or cells stop responding to the insulin produced, so that glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed by cells of the body. (Thefreedictionary.com) There are two types of diabetes, type I and type II. The two types are very different. Type I diabetes is known as juvenile diabetes because it is most commonly diagnosed and begins during adolescence. In this form, little or no insulin is produced by the body. This is also why it is called insulin dependent, because people need to receive daily injections of insulin. In type II diabetes, the pancreas produces enough insulin, but the cells do not function effectively because they have become resistant to insulin. This form of diabetes is most often diagnosed when a patient is seen for another problem, unknowingly caused by diabetes. Each type of diabetes has its own risk factors. In type I, these factors are family history, genetics, geography, viral exposure, vitamin D deficiency, and other dietary factors. In Typ...... middle of paper ......during a visit to the doctor. She had a leg wound that wouldn't heal and she complained to the doctor about her constant thirst. Her heart was shot and they were going to amputate her leg, but she died before they could do so. In my grandfather's case, he was found to have late-onset or type II diabetes, likely due to the effects of the war. He was able to control it through diet, but although it was mild, it affected his heart and he died of a stroke. It is very important to know the early warning signs and symptoms of diabetes so that you can take appropriate steps to ensure your well-being. Diabetes management is a group effort between you, your doctor, and the other health care providers on your team. Always make the most of all your resources and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent diabetes..