Understanding Diabetes Facts

diabetes is actually a group of diseases that results from high levels of blood glucose from insufficient insulin production and/or insulin action. This group is divided into 4 categories and the facts on each category are different. Type 1 diabetes is generally called juvenile onset diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes or adult onset diabetes is sometimes called non-insulin dependent diabetes. The third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The last group of diabetes is either genetic or a result of surgery, infection, drugs or illness. It is fact that diabetes can be associated with serious physical complications and premature death, but there are ways to control and lower these risks.

Type 1 diabetes Facts

It is a fact that diabetes Type 1 develops when the body’s immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells. These beta cells are the cells that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. It is a fact that diabetes Type 1 usually attacks children and young adults, but it has not been unheard of to occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5% to10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes Facts

It is a fact that diabetes Type 2 begins as insulin resistant. This is a disorder where the cells do not use the insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas begins to lose its capability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. It is associated with older age, family history of diabetes, obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity. It is a fact that diabetes Type 2 attacks Hispanic/Latino Americans, African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Type 2 diabetes is now being seen more often in children and adolescents.

Gestational diabetes Facts

It is a fact that gestational diabetes is a form of glucose intolerance in some pregnant women. Gestational diabetes occurs more often in obese women, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans and American Indians. diabetes occurring in pregnant women must be regulated so as not to interfere with the health of the fetus. Glucose levels must be normalized within the mother. After the birth of the baby, 5% to 10% of women with gestational diabetes are found to have Type 2 diabetes. It is a fact that gestational diabetes sufferers will have a 20% to 50% chance of developing diabetes in the next 5 to 10 years.

It is also a fact that diabetes in all ‘other’ categories account for only 1% to 5% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.