We’ve all heard the term before and probably know someone with the condition. But how much do you really know about diabetes? And why the heck should you even care? Diabetes affects more than 17 million Americans and 2 million Canadians today and the number is increasing. This condition has been linked to over 200,000 deaths a year in the US and can also lead to stroke, heart attacks and even blindness. Many people are borderline diabetics, or have what some experts call “pre-diabetes” due to a sedentary lifestyle and fatty diet.

Luckily for the majority of people out there, diabetes can be prevented with [*cringe*] exercise and a healthy diet. So what’s a sugar-loving couch potato to do? Well first, get off your gluteus maximus and get the old blood circulating already. But before you purge your household of all things sweet and fattening (aka delicious), read on…