Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. The most common is type 2 diabetes, usually in adults, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough insulin. Diabetes is a growing challenge in India. The rising prevalence of diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases is driven by a combination of factors like rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets. The burden of diabetes can be prevented or delayed by dietary and life style management.