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What Is Diabetes?

glucose level graphic showing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), normal level, and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

Diabetes is a chronic disease. It affects how well the body manages blood sugar. Most food is turned to glucose (or sugar) in the body. The sugar goes through the bloodstream to the cells. The cells use the sugar for energy. The amount of sugar in the bloodstream is controlled by a hormone called insulin.

With diabetes, either the body does not make enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does make well. This causes high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Over time, when blood sugar levels stay high it leads to diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health problems.

Many factors can lead to diabetes:

  • A family history of diabetes
  • Prediabetes
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Follow an unhealthy diet
  • Are physically inactive
  • Are over the age of 45
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • Are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino or Pacific Islander

Take the Prediabetes Risk Test to see if you are at increased risk of having prediabetes.

Diabetes

The Diabetes Prevention and Control program oversees federal funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Funding allows contractors to work on proven strategies in diabetes care across the state. Work is being done in three main areas: 

  1. Improving access to care
  2. Connecting more people to prevention and self-management programs
  3. Promoting healthy behaviors

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
The Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK  73102-6406

Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
The Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK

Phone: (405) 426-8300
Fax: (405) 900-7610
Email: Center@health.ok.gov

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