Climbing for Diabetes Education and Preventing a Disease

October 20th marked a more invigorated fundraising effort for diabetes research and education. More than 1,000 people walked 10 miles through Philadelphia, and climbed more than 1,000 stairs in the process, to raise $600,000 for the diabetes cause.

While diabetes might be toward the bottom of most people's lists of diseases to worry about, it has the fastest growing disease development rate in America, according to the American Diabetes Association. Approximately 21 million children and adults have the disease, and 54 million have a high possibility of developing diabetes. Everyday more than 4,000 people are diagnosed with the disease and 600 people die from it.

There are ways to prevent the disease, deal with it proactively if you're all ready diagnosed and to support loved ones as they navigate their way through life with the disease.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease without a cure.

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile onset diabetes) occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, which regulate glucose in the blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control Web site. Most often children and young adults develop Type 1, though it can develop at any age. Those with Type 1 must have insulin injected or pumped into their bodies.

Type 2 diabetes (also known as adult-onset diabetes) is the more common type of diabetes. It occurs when cells do not use insulin correctly and the body becomes resistant to insulin. Because the body increasingly needs insulin, the pancreas begins to lose its ability to produce it. The Centers for Disease Control identifies several factors that can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, including older age, obesity, family history of diabetes and lack of exercise. Most people with Type 2 are able to control it through a diet and exercise plan and by taking medication.

If untreated, stroke, kidney failure heart disease and amputation can all occur as a result of diabetes. These complications often can be prevented if the disease is caught and treated early.

What are the symptoms?