Diabetes Defined

Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn't produce or correctly use a hormone called insulin. Insulin is necessary in the body to convert sugars, starches, and other substances that comes from food into energy. The cause of diabetes is still unknown, although it is known that factors such as genetics and environment play a role. In the United States there are approximately 20 million people, or about 7% of the population, that suffer from diabetes. Nearly one-third of these people don't even know that they have the disease. There four major types of diabetes: Type I Diabetes, Type II Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, and Pre-Diabetes.

Type I Diabetes: Subsequently called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile onset diabetes. In this type of diabetes the body fails to produce insulin when the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make the hormone. Insulin is a hormone that opens up the cells of the body to allow glucose to come in and fuel them; its main goal is to regulate blood glucose in the bloodstream. In order to survive, those with Type I Diabetes must have insulin delivered to them by injection or an insulin pump. Between 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type I Diabetes. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults, but onset can occur at any age. Autoimmune, genetic, and environmental are all risk factors and there is no known way to prevent getting this type of diabetes.

Type II Diabetes: Subsequently called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. In this type of diabetes the body fails to properly use the insulin it produces. The body's need for insulin continues to rise and the pancreas, in turn, gradually loses its ability to produce the insulin that is needed. When this happens high levels of sugar build up in the bloodstream. Type II Diabetes is generally related to obesity, family history of the disease, a history of gestational diabetes, older age, impaired glucose metabolism, race and ethnicity, and physical inactivity or lack of regular exercise. Approximately 90-95% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type II Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes: This is a form of diabetes that is diagnosed in some women during pregnancy. About 4% of all American women that are pregnant are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes each year. It is more common among women who are obese or have a family history of the disease and is also more prevalent among American Indians, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans. It is very important to regulate maternal blood glucose levels to reduce the chances of complications in the baby. Women who are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes are at a greater risk for developing the disease later in life. After pregnancy, 5-10% of women with Gestational Diabetes are found to have Type II Diabetes. Pre-Diabetes: This is a condition that happens when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. There are approximately 54 million people in America that have Pre-Diabetes.

With the right treatment, regular exercise, and making healthy food choices, those that are diagnosed with diabetes are able to lead a normal, fulfilling life.