Diabetes Types

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin, the main hormone needed to regulate blood-glucose (sugar) levels. There are four types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, Pre-Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes. This condition is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Diabetes affects approximately 171 million people worldwide. There is no known cure for diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Previously known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is typically found in young people. In this condition, the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes can be treated through daily insulin injections, or through a pancreas transplant. The transplant is not a cure; after the procedure, the patient will be required to take immune-suppressing medications indefinitely. A person can be predisposed to type 1 diabetes if the illness runs in their family.

Type 2 Diabetes

• Previously referred to as adult onset diabetes, this condition is now found in people of all ages and is closely linked to obesity. Type 2 diabetes is a result of the body's inability to either produce enough insulin, or properly use it. There are certain groups who are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, such as Latinos, African-Americans and Native Americans.

Pre-Diabetes

• Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but still too low to be diagnosed as diabetes. This condition almost always occurs in people who later develop type 2 diabetes without the proper preventative measures. Even if the condition never progresses to full-blown diabetes, a person with pre-diabetes can still suffer long-term body damage, such as strain on the heart and circulatory systems.

Gestational Diabetes

• Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have high blood-glucose levels during pregnancy, even if they have never had diabetes before. This condition occurs when hormones in the placenta that help the baby to develop prevent the body's proper use of the insulin hormone, causing insulin resistance. Without increased insulin levels to manage the increased glucose in the body, the mother can develop hyperglycemia. Gestational diabetes can reoccur in future pregnancies, and even turn into type 2 diabetes after birth.

Complications from Diabetes

• Diabetes can lead to conditions such as heart disease, kidney damage, depression and blindness. People with diabetes may even require a kidney transplant, and are usually put on dialysis (the primary process used to replace lost kidney function) while awaiting the procedure. Serious complications can also lead to amputations of the limbs (such as the feet), and even death. However, with proper treatment and health management, many people have been able to lead long lives with diabetes.

Diabetes Prevention

• Though there is no known cure for diabetes, there are currently ways to prevent developing the disease. Weight management, proper nutrition habits, and regular physical activity are just three ways to improve and maintain health to avoid diabetes, as well as many other life-threatening diseases. See your doctor for regular physical examinations, and take note of any abnormal physical changes or behaviors that may occur.