(HealthDay News) -- Every year, 1.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says.

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and other health problems, the agency says.

The NIH suggests:

  1. Take time to learn all you can about diabetes.
  2. With the help of your doctor, develop a clear plan with goals and ways to track your progress.
  3. Learn about the best ways to live with diabetes.
  4. Visit your doctor regularly for routine care.