Diabetes is a metabolic disease of three major types: Type 1 (Insulin-Dependent or Juvenile Onset), inability of the body to produce insulin; Type 2 (Non Insulin-Dependent or Adult Onset), reduced insulin sensitivity, and affecting 90% to 95% of the U.S. diabetic population; and Gestational, occurring during pregnancy. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that in 2005 approximately 20.8 million persons were living with diabetes.

Persons with diabetes have a higher risk for secondary health conditions, including coronary heart disease, blindness (retinopathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), peripheral vascular disease, and amputations.