In the U.S. alone, more than 20 million people have diabetes. This is about 8% of the total population- a significant statistic. A third of these people have yet to be diagnosed and possibly do not even know or suspect they have the disease. With numbers this high, it's likely you know someone with diabetes.

Older men are the most likely to have the disease, as well as American Indians. Non-Hispanic whites are the least likely. Diabetes ranks as about six on causes of death in the United States- researchers feel that number is reserved as there are so many undiagnosed individuals and a lack of reporting.

As if Diabetes weren't a complicated disease anyway, having it makes you more prone to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, diseases of the nervous system leading to amputation and carpal tunnel, blindness, periodontal disease, difficulty becoming pregnant, and more likely to attract illnesses like the flu and pneumonia.

These are daunting figures, and the health risks tied to diabetes are staggering. Each year more than a million new diabetes diagnoses are reported. It's a very prevalent disease, and yet no where near as highly discussed as cancer or AIDS.

People see diabetes as a debilitating intrusion on their lives. Insulin and blood glucose tests, carefully monitoring your diet and managing your overall health can be a full time job. But many diabetics have turned to the Diabetic Living Diet to help manage their diabetes and have better control over their health.

The Diabetic Living Diet encourages diabetics to focus on consistency. It's important to each at the same time every day with similar portion sizes at each meal. Your diet should consist of about 50% carbohydrates, 30% fat and 20% protein. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins are very important inclusions.