According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is on the rise in the United States, up about 40 percent since the early 1990s. This increase is largely due to the rapid increase in the nation's rate of obesity, experts say.

Many health problems are linked to excess weight and obesity. Obesity is a known risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, which affects the way the body uses energy from sugar, starch and other foods. Researchers at the CDC report that approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes.

Reversing this trend -- for both obesity and diabetes -- starts with learning to make healthy food choices. Knowing the right serving sizes and including regular physical activity in your daily activities can also help improve your entire family's health.

Interactive: Inside Diabetes