A new study shows that two-third of America's 18 million Type 2 diabetics do not have their blood sugar levels under proper control. As a result, they are risking severe complications and possibly even death.

The statistics were released at the latest meeting of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

Type 2 diabetes is a gradual loss of the body's ability to use insulin to moderate blood sugar levels. Insulin converts sugar in the blood to energy. If high glucose levels remain for too long a period, blood vessels can be damaged and it may lead to serious conditions such as kidney failure, heart disease, blindness or the amputation of arms or legs.

The best way to measure the blood sugar level over the long term is an A1C test which tracks the average blood sugar in a person's body for a two or three month period.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) defines controlled glucose as an A1C level of 6.5 or below but two-thirds of Type 2 diabetics are not meeting that level.

Actress and singer Della Reese who suffers from Type 2 Diabetes explained to the Associated Press why so many Type 2 diabetics don't maintain proper blood sugar levels. 'Diabetes doesn't necessarily hurt, you see. You wake up and say, 'I'm not in pain, I won't take this (medicine) today.''

Millions of Americans face severe health problems unless they are able to get their blood sugar levels under control.