When diseases are passed down through families, it's usually from parents to their children. But sometimes a daughter or son's poor health can put their parent's health at risk later in life.

In a recent study, people with diabetes needing the most common type of open heart surgery fared almost as well as those without diabetes while in hospital. Once discharged, however, it was a different story.

Seniors who have diabetes and are depressed may not take proper care of themselves. Treating their depression may help them to eat better, exercise and follow medical advice.

Men and women can be diagnosed with diabetes based off of the same signs and symptoms. But that doesn't mean that the condition affects both sexes equally.

Some people have genes that make them more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Weight loss, however, may be the most effective way to lower diabetes risk, regardless of genetic risk.

Women who have gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Certain lifestyle changes may reduce that risk.

People with diabetes are at risk for heart disease. One gender may face a higher risk than the other.

Over the past decade, as diabetes management has improved, fewer have been hospitalized for high blood sugar. Hospitalization rates for low blood sugar, on the other hand, have risen.

People with diabetes who have had a heart attack face an even greater likelihood of having a second one. Keeping glucose levels under control through insulin therapy may reduce this risk.

Some diabetes patients believe eating five or six small meals a day helps control weight and boost metabolism. More evidence, however, is challenging the benefits of this meal plan.