You or a loved one might already be living with diabetes, just like nearly 26 million Americans. Or maybe there was a recent diagnosis of diabetes.  Perhaps you have diabetes but do not know it, as is the case for 7 million adults.  Or you may be one of nearly 79 million adults aged 20 years or older who are considered pre-diabetic. 

At any rate, it is important that you know the facts about how you can prevent this lifelong and serious – but manageable – medical condition.

Types of Diabetes

There are several forms of Diabetes.  Diabetes is caused as a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin. In some cases, the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all.

Type 1 Diabetes.  Individuals with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that is not producing any insulin. They will have to receive insulin for the rest of their lives.  5-10% of cases of diabetes are Type 1. 

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. This condition 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.  About 90% of the time, gestational diabetes disappears after delivery.  Patients with gestational diabetes, however, have a 3-4 times greater risk of having Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Avoiding Diabetes

Research shows that doing just two things can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes:

• Lose 5% to 7% of your body weight.  That would be 10 to 14 pounds for a 200 – pound person; and
• Get at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity, such as brisk walking.  That is just 30 minutes a day on 5 days a week. 

You can find out more about preventing diabetes by visiting the links below:

• Avoiding Diabetes
• Pre-diabetes: Do You Have It and Not Know It?
• Questions about Preventing Diabetes
• Want to Prevent Diabetes? Exercise!

Controlling Diabetes

You can do everything you are supposed to do to cut the risk and still get diabetes. Although it is a serious condition and one that must be treated properly, diabetes is 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.

Hope Through Research – You Can Be Part of the Answer!

Many research studies are underway to help us learn about eye diseases. Would you like to find out more about being part of this exciting research? Please visit the following links:

• NIH Clinical Research Trials and You
• Diabetes Studies
• NetWellness Research Center
• ClinicalTrials.gov Explained and Find Studies on ClinicalTrials.gov
• ResearchMatch Explained  and Join ResearchMatch

More features about Diabetes:

• Diabetes and the Body: Pancreatic Function
• Symptoms and Tests for Diabetes
• Treatment Options for Diabetics
• Complications of Diabetes
• Avoiding Diabetes
• Diabetes and Heart Disease

For more information:

Go to the Diabetes health topic.