Diabetes has a reputation for being relegated to the obese and chronic soda-drinkers. People who are only slightly overweight or keep to a relatively clean diet certainly aren’t at risk the way others are, right?

Diabetes is an interesting disease. It bears many faces and symptoms and has claimed lives, in addition to limbs, nerves, and basic organ functions. Although it is typically regarded as impacting on the system of the body, that one system has a hand in controlling and regulating most other systems, and the breakdown of your body’s ability to regulate sugar can result in catastrophic consequences.

Why Is Diabetes So Dangerous?

Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions, and is steadily spreading out across countless countries throughout the planet, both heavily industrious and wealthy countries and poor countries; diabetes is not mastered by money or status. Why exactly is an epidemic of diabetes such a huge concern?

#1. It Can Go Undetected

Some diabetics experienced severe symptoms, leading to a doctor’s visit and an eventual diagnosis. Some people, however, do not notice their body changing or breaking down at all. While it is true that most people are eventually diagnosed (before dying from diabetes complications, that is), early detection is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage diabetes, keep your body healthy, and stay away from medication.

Because diabetes can be brewing without any symptoms at all, and a regular check-up might not detect strange blood sugar levels, it is a dangerous disease. One study estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people with diabetes are unaware or undiagnosed.

#2. It Can Affect Anyone

Diabetes does have risk factors that are higher among certain ethnic populations, weights, and ages. That being said, anyone can go on to develop diabetes, regardless of their history or background. This is particularly true of Type 1 diabetes, which usually strikes in childhood or adolescence; you do not have to be overweight or obese to develop Type 1 or Type 2.

#3. Unchecked, It Can Shut Down the Entire Body

If left untreated, diabetes can permanently and irrevocably damage your brain, kidneys, nervous system, circulatory system, heart, bladder—just about every operation your body undertakes is negatively affected by high (or dangerously low) blood sugar.

Failing to adequately treat diabetes is extremely dangerous. Many people have professed to have found a magical cure for diabetes, but as of yet there is no definitive cure, and proper treatment must be undertaken, including incorporating healthy eating and exercise into your lifestyle.

#4. It Requires Constant Diligence

Diabetes isn’t something you can treat once and become lax about. It requires daily commitment to health and your body. Many people are unwilling or unable to keep up with all of the challenges, making a diabetes diagnosis a potentially dangerous one.

#5. It Is Often Taken Lightly

Many men and women with diabetes have uttered the phrase, “Oh, I’ll just take some insulin,” when confronted with a dietary indiscretion. This may not prove too problematic if it is only said once or twice, but regularly regarding your diabetes, this way can result in a dangerous level of inattention to your condition.