Numbers tell only part of a story but when it comes to diabetes, you can't ignore them. Almost 21 million children and adults have it and in a few years, that number is expected to jump to 30 million.

Most people have Type Two Diabetes, often called a disease of the lifestyle. In April's Health Check report -- why it's so important to take the diagnosis seriously.

Not only does Abbie Crawford love to bake, she also loves to eat and that makes a diagnosis of diabetes seem downright cruel.

"I was really angry," she tells us. "It seems so unfair."

It was also hard to comprehend. Although Crawford was dead tired, for a year she managed to cook and do most of the things she enjoyed. She couldn't really be that sick.

"I just continued to kind of deny it," she says. "I went through the motions but I still ate what I wanted to eat. Not as much, but I still did and things didn't turn around and that's when I saw an endocrinologist."

Crawford sought a "team approach" through Alegent Bergan Mercy Medical Center. Patients see a diabetes educator and a doctor at every visit, a unique approach to try and stem a growing problem.

This practice sees up to 30 new patients a week and Dr. Alain Taylon says, "Do I get overwhelmed? No. But I recognize it's very, very hard to change somebody's behavior pattern that's been developed over many, many years."

When Abbie Crawford decided to get serious, she embraced the hard work. She modified her diet and lost 20 pounds.

"I physically feel much better," she says.

Working out is now routine, as is taking medicine. She's managed to avoid the serious complications tied to Type Two Diabetes, like heart attack and stroke.

Life is different than it used to be, but it's still sweet.

Abbie says, "This disease does not have to be a life sentence. In the fact you can go out and have a very full life."

Anyone overweight or with a family history is at risk for Type Two Diabetes. Other factors – not having enough energy to get through the day; sudden overnight trips to the bathroom; always being hungry and quick weight loss.

To gauge your risk, click here.

Bergan Mercy Medical Center	Immanuel Medical Center
Lakeside Hospital	Midlands Hospital
Mercy Hospital	Alegent Health Clinic