Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations.  Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States[i].

back to top

Types of diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys the cells in the body that make insulin, which regulates blood glucose.  Type 1 diabetes, which was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile diabetes, usually strikes children and young adults, although it can occur at any age and may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. 

• Type 2 diabetes, which was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, may account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.  It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells do not use insulin properly.  As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin.  Although type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, race/ethnicity, family history of diabetes, and a history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity and obesity are the main preventable factors.

• Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes.  Studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest weight loss, healthy diet, and regular physical activity.  The risk factors for pre-diabetes are the same as for type 2 diabetes[ii].

• Gestational diabetes is a form of glucose intolerance that is diagnosed in some women during pregnancy.  If not treated, it can cause problems for mothers and babies.  This form of diabetes occurs more frequently among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians.  It is also more common among obese women and women with a family history of diabetes.  Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies.  Women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

• Other specific types of diabetes resulting from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses may account for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes[iii].

back to top

What are the symptoms?

People who think they might have diabetes must visit a physician for diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Sudden vision changes
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Feeling very tired much of the time
• Very dry skin
• Sores that are slow to heal
• More infections than usual

back to top