Diabetes is an illness that messes with the individual’s ability to process the energy in the food that they consume. Diabetes is a growing concern in the world as more and more individuals are being diagnosed on a daily basis. Within the community where I live there are individuals being diagnosed on a regular basis and are required to obtain the information regarding the illness where they can find it. There is a need for additional classes within the community to assist the residents. Throughout this paper I will discuss diabetes, the effects on individuals, information regarding diabetes and how it affects the community, and describe a goal for the community and how it can be obtained. Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that is marked by high levels of blood glucose that is a result from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or sometimes both. The food that we eat is broken down into glucose which is the body’s main source of fuel. “When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from our blood into our cells. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced” (WebMD, 2011). When this occurs there is a buildup of glucose that overflows into the urine and then eventually passes out of the body, which causes the individual to lose its main source of fuel. There are many signs and symptoms of diabetes which include increased thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and frequent infections. Diabetes has three main types that affect individuals which are type 1, type 2, and gestational. Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as juvenile diabetes, is mainly diagnosed in children and young adults under the age of 20. With this type of diabetes the body does not produce insulin. “Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life” (American Diabetes Association, 2011). Insulin helps to transport the nutrients from the food into the cells of the body tissue. Unfortunately there is no cure for this type of diabetes and it affects about 30,000 new individuals on a yearly basis and approximately 80 individuals that are diagnosed on a daily basis. With this type of diabetes individuals are instructed to eat healthy and to take their insulin on a regular basis. Once individuals are able to manage their condition they are able to live long and healthy lives. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes as it affects millions of Americans and there are many who are unaware that they are at high risk of being diagnosed. “Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, as well as the aged population” (American Diabetes Association, 2011). This type of diabetes is commonly caused by obesity and lack of exercise that the individual gets on a regular basis. . “Exercise is a very important aspect of controlling type 2 diabetes by improving your body’s use of insulin, lowering blood pressure, helping to protect against heart and blood vessel disease by lowering ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and increasing ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, and by reducing stress and promoting relaxation” (WebMD, 2011). With type 2 diabetes the individual does produce the insulin but either they don’t produce enough for their body or their body doesn’t recognize it. Individuals who suffer from this type of diabetes may be able to control the illness with diet and exercise alone; however, many are required to take either oral medications or insulin. It is important for individuals to get their diabetes under control as it could result in poor circulation to the legs that can lead to amputations, heart attack, or even kidney failure. Gestational diabetes is the final type of diabetes and is found in women who are pregnant. They are normally diagnosed with diabetes