Diabetes

Diabetes, a disease associated with serious complications and premature death, is known as a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production and/or insulin action.

Most that do not know much about the disease would suspect there was only one type when there are 3 forms of diabetes. Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes are the three most common cases the most diabetes patients are diagnosed with.

Type 1 diabetes, which is usually known for striking children and young adults, develops when the body's immune system destroys Pancreatic Beta cells. Pancreatic Beta cells are the only cells that regulate blood glucose. Patients with this type of diabetes usually need several insulin injections a day or and insulin pump to maintain or survive. Family history, Autoimmune disease, where the body mistakenly attacks the insulin producing cells, and environmental factors are risks factors of type 1 diabetes.

Next, Type 2, which is the most common, accounts for 90-95% of all diagnosed cases. It begins with resistance to insulin. This is when cell do not use insulin properly. Risks of type 2 is anyone age 45 or older, obesity, family history of diabetes, diabetes during pregnancy, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity, and being of the Native American, Hispanic/ Latino American, Asian, or Pacific Islander race.

Last, Gestational diabetes, which is a form of glucose intolerance that is diagnosed with some women at pregnancy. It requires treatment to help normalize maternal blood glucose levels. These treatments are given to avoid complications in the infant during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is most common in African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Indian American Women, Obese women, and is common in family history.

People with diabetes can follow many steps to control the disease and lower the risks of