It's a potentially deadly disease that currently affects over 23 million people in the US.
As News 25's Maggie Vespa reports Tuesday, doctors in Central Illinois worked to get the word out on diabetes.
Tuesday morning, over 60 people gathered at Peoria's Methodist North off of Allen Road for 'Coffee With The Doctors.'
For two hours they asked questions and got answers on the prevention, treatments and dangers of the disease.
Doctors say diabetes is a growing threat to people across the country, in large part thanks to a lack of education.
"It's a very complicated disease that has lots of possible side effects, and there are many, many, many, many, many different treatments options available," said Dr. Ryan Walsh. "And if you don't have the proper education and knowledge, the success of diabetic treatment is very severely hampered."
Doctors also stressed diabetes prevention at Tuesday's meeting.
They say the best ways to avoid the disease include the old stand-bys: exercise, weight management and a healthy diet.
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