Diabetes is a leading health concern in this nation, with nearly 24 million people in the United States living with the disease. Unfortunately, many of them do not even know it.

Award-winning actress Jean Smart has been named ambassador for the newest public service initiative for the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Diabetes Aware. Launched five years ago, Diabetes Aware is a national educational campaign that informs Americans about the importance of early detection, monitoring and proper management of this progressive disease.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. In people who have diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any or enough insulin, or is unable to effectively use the insulin it does produce. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, potentially leading to serious health problems such as blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, amputation, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction.