Diabetes Education

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels.  Diabetes occurs when the body  does not produce or properly use insulin,   a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed   for daily life.  When the blood glucose elevates (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to normalize the glucose level. In patients with diabetes, the absence or insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia.

What are the different types of diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes results from the body's failure to produce or properly use insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.  Finding out you have diabetes is scary, but don't panic. People with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives.

Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, which is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin altogether. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause your cells to be starved for energy and even cause high blood glucose levels which may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. 

Gestational Diabetes:
Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women, which translates to about 135,000 cases each year.  Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy but 5% to 10% of women with gestational diabetes are found to have type 2 diabetes. It is hard to tell whether these women have gestational diabetes or have just started showing their diabetes during pregnancy. These women will need to continue diabetes treatment after pregnancy. 

Pre-diabetes:
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 23.6 million with diabetes.