Diabetes

 

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While and estimated 14.6 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

 

Major Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, the hormone that “unlocks” the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5 to 10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type1 Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. About 135,000 cases in the united states each year.

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 54 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 20.8 million with Diabetes.

 

 

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