Types

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, which usually occurs during childhood or adolescence; Type 2, the most common form of the disease which may occur at any age; and Gestational Diabetes, which usually occurs halfway through a pregnancy as a result of excessive hormone production in the body.

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Type 1 Diabetes

• Accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes cases diagnosed in the United States.
• Results from the body's failure to produce insulin (the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body allowing glucose to enter and fuel them).
• Usually develops in children and young adults, but may appear at any age.

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Type 2 Diabetes

• Most common form of diabetes in the United States. Accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases in the United States.
• Results when the body fails to properly use insulin (insulin resistance) combined with a decrease in insulin production.
• Most common in adults age 40 and older; however, as more adolescents become overweight, Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in young people.

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Gestational Diabetes

• Develops only during pregnancy.
• Usually disappears after delivery, however, the mother is at an increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes later in life.

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What is Pre-Diabetes?

• Blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
• Increases risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
• It is estimated that 41 million adults ages 40-74 in the United States have pre-diabetes.
• Modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes and return blood glucose levels to normal.

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