Diabetes Mellitus IntroductionDiabetes mellitus, as defined by the American Diabetes Association, is "a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both" (Diagnosis and Clarification”, 2008). There are many different types of diabetes, the two most familiar forms are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, previously called “juvenile diabetes,” accounts for only 5-10% of people diagnosed with diabetes. Serological evidence of an autoimmune disease process occurring in the pancreatic islets and genetic markers have both been found to be precursors for individuals at risk (“Report of,” 2003). Type 2 diabetes, by far the most predominant form of diabetes, accounts for approximately 95% of individuals with diabetes mellitus and results from insulin resistance that gradually increases over time (“Diagnosis and Clarification,” 2008) . Diabetes is a serious disease and, if managed incorrectly, can be responsible for several health complications. These health problems include, but are not limited to: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and non-traumatic lower extremity amputation. According to the American Diabetes Association (2014), diabetes is responsible for more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Although type 1 diabetes is a well-known form of diabetes mellitus, the remainder of this article will focus exclusively on type 2 diabetes. Pathophysiology The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes can be characterized primarily by the occurrence of chronic excess fuel in subjects genetically and epigenetically at risk. populations (Nolan, Damm, and Prentki 2011). Chronic escape…half of the paper…to continually respond to (Nauck, et. al 2009). Conclusion According to the National Diabetes Statistic Report, 2014, 9.3% of the US population has diabetes, with 27.8% of these individuals going undiagnosed. The serious and life-threatening complications that arise from type 2 diabetes make it a public health issue that must be addressed. Since obesity and genetics are determining factors for the development of type 2 diabetes, education can be seen as a much needed intervention in the prevention of this disease. Diabetes education could potentially make at-risk individuals aware of lifestyle, diet, and genetic risks related to acquiring diabetes. This could ultimately help reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and/or clarify its signs and symptoms earlier, in order to reduce long-term complications associated with this serious disease..