|
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 is still a mystery.
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, approximately 7% of the population,
who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately,
6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.
There are 3 Major Types of Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, & Gestational Diabetes.
Types of Diabetes:
Diabetes can be classified into 3 Major types:
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 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
More about Type 1 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.
More about Type 2 Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes only affects pregnant women.
It affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases in the United States each year.
More about Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes Symptoms:
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.
Some diabetes symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Unusual weight loss
- Increased fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurry vision
* If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible
Diabetes Myths - here are some of the most common Myths about Diabetes
|
|
