Diabetes affects millions of adults and children in the US. Here are some facts you should know about diabetes:
26 million people in the US have diabetes.
79 million people are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
There are 2 types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose in food for energy. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin by injection or through an insulin pump. Type 1 diabetes used to be called “juvenile” diabetes because it typically was diagnosed in childhood. However, Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed in adults.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can still produce insulin, but isn’t able to use insulin properly. Weight loss and exercise can help manage Type 2 diabetes. Prescription drugs can help keep blood sugar at healthy levels, and insulin may be needed if blood sugars are in poor control. Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults over 40, but recently a growing number of children and young adults have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to being overweight.
Gestational diabetes affects nearly 18% of pregnant women according to estimates. Hormonal changes that occur in the 24th week of pregnancy can cause insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes can be treated with a healthy diet, exercise, and insulin if needed. Follow the advice of your healthcare providers. Gestational diabetes typically disappears after the baby is born, but there may be an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Take the Diabetes Risk Test to learn whether you’re at risk for Type 2 diabetes.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month – Do You Know Your Risk?
