What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that causes the body not to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles, however, the cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery. Approximately 17 million people in the United States, or 6.2% of the population, have diabetes. An estimated 11.1 million have been diagnosed, while approximately 5.9 million people are unaware that they have the disease.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes:
Previously known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by a total lack of insulin. This occurs when the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them, causing the pancreas to produce little or no insulin. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar.
Type 2 Diabetes:
This is the most common form of diabetes. The body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause problems. Your cells may be starved for energy, and over time, high blood glucose levels may damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. With treatment, your blood glucose levels may go down to normal again. The key is to lower your blood glucose and improve your body's use of insulin.
Pre-Diabetes:
This is a condition where blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. These people are considered to have "pre-diabetes". Know your risks for pre-diabetes and take action to prevent diabetes if you have, or are at risk for, pre-diabetes. Good nutrition and physical activity can greatly benefit people with "pre-diabetes".
Gestational Diabetes:
During pregnancy, women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 3% of all pregnant women. The body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. The result is high glucose levels. This is commonly called hyperglycemia.
For more information,
Please Visit
The American Diabetes Association
