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Diabetes

Diabetes Overview

You or a loved one might already be living with diabetes, just like 20.8 million Americans. Or maybe there was a recent diagnosis of diabetes. Either way, it's important that you know the facts about this lifelong and serious-but manageable-medical condition.

Types of Diabetes

There are several forms of Diabetes and it is caused as a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin - or, in some cases, not producing any insulin at all.

Type 1 Diabetes - Individuals with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that isn't producing any insulin. They will have to receive insulin for the rest of their lives.

Type 2 Diabetes - Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have a pancreas that produces some insulin, but not nearly enough to meet their needs. Type 2 is by far the most common form of diabetes. Between 90% and 95% of the people who have diabetes have Type 2.

Gestational Diabetes - Another common form of the disease is gestational diabetes, a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Women who deliver babies over nine pounds in weight are at the most risk of developing this pregnancy-related type of diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually (90% of the time) disappears after delivery, but patients with gestational diabetes have a 3-4 times greater risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Controlling Diabetes

You can do everything you're supposed to do to cut the risk, and still get diabetes. While it's a serious condition and one that must be treated properly, it's a disease that can be controlled. In fact, millions of Americans lead active and perfectly functional lives with diabetes without their medical conditions controlling them.

By working with your team of healthcare professionals and never being afraid to ask questions or discuss treatment options, you can make the most of the situation.

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Last Reviewed: Sep 08, 2006

University of Cincinnati Robert M. Cohen, MD
Associate Professor
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati
Robert M. Cohen, MD

Case Western Reserve University Laurie Sadler, MD
Medical Director and Assistant Professor
Center for Vascular Health
St. Vincent Charity Hospital
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Laurie Sadler, MD