Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy.¹

People with blood glucose levels higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes, are at increased risk of developing diabetes and for heart disease and stroke.

There are a number of warning signs of diabetes² including:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Lack of interest and concentration
• Vomiting and stomach pain
• Tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
• Blurred vision
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing wounds

Early detection is key. For most people, diabetes is a progressive disease. Because diabetes can damage important systems in the body, including the eyes, heart, kidneys and nerves, and even cause life-threatening complications, it is imperative to diagnose diabetes early and start interventions intended to delay these long-term complications.

With solutions for early accurate diagnosis and effective ongoing monitoring and management, Abbott is committed to helping deliver the best possible care to people with diabetes.

1 International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas. 5th ed. http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/what-is-diabetes. Accessed November 8, 2013.
2 International Diabetes Federation. Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes. http://www.idf.org/signs-and-symptoms-diabetes. Accessed November 8, 2013.