How Diabetes React

Diabetes is a chronic (long term) condition marked by abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin -- a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life -- or cannot use the insulin that their bodies produce. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, nerve disease, heart disease, and stroke. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetes affects 25.8 million Americans. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), unfortunately, 7 million people (or nearly one third) are unaware that they have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize diabetes as the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S.

There are 2 major types of diabetes:

• Type 1 -- Also known as juvenile or insulin dependent diabetes, type 1 diabetes occurs when the cells of the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin are destroyed by the immune system. As a result, the pancreas permanently loses its ability to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels appropriately. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood, and while it can be managed, it cannot be cured.


• Type 2 -- This form of the disease makes up 90% or more of all cases of diabetes. It usually develops in adulthood. It occurs when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal and is made worse by poor food choices, a sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight. Diabetes is a serious condition, but many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common due to the growing number of older Americans, increasing obesity, and failure to exercise. Type 2 diabetes can be improved -- and in some cases even reversed -- by lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, becoming more active, and losing excess weight.

Pre-diabetes occurs in those individuals with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. This condition raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. In fact, people with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely than non-diabetic patients to develop heart disease. Pre-diabetes is also called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or insulin resistance. Some people have both IFG and IGT. In IFG, glucose levels are a little high several hours after a person eats. In IGT, glucose levels are a little higher than normal right after eating. Pre-diabetes is becoming more common in the U.S., according to estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Many individuals with pre-diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes. Four percent of all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. Although it usually disappears after delivery, the mother is at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Diabetes may also be associated with genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses.