Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot efficiently use its own insulin (insulin-resistance). As a consequence, there is an elevation of blood glucose levels – the so-called hyperglycemia. Type 2 Diabetes is the most frequent type of diabetes and represents about 90% of the cases. Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for this disease. Type 2 Diabetes is frequently asymptomatic and may be diagnosed only in screenings or when complications appear. When symptoms exist, they can be mild and worsen overtime. These symptoms may include fatigue, blurred vision and the so-called classic symptoms of diabetes: polydipsia (excessive water drinking), polyphagia (eating a lot), polyuria (urinating a lot) and weight loss (which is involuntary). Chronic complications of Diabetes may include severe problems such as blindness, amputations or acute myocardial infarction (“heart attack”). The diagnosis and treatment of Diabetes are important to prevent its complications. Healthy lifestyles are essentials, both in diabetes prevention and in its approach. Consult your doctor to know more about diabetes and to know if you are indicated for screening for this disease.