What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that develops when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes. The pancreas gland makes insulin. The foods we eat break down into sugar or glucose that is transported by the bloodstream. Insulin moves the sugar from the bloodstream into body cells. Sugar provides the cells with the energy to do their jobs.

When the body stops making enough insulin, sugar builds up in the blood and cannot get into the body cells. People may have very high blood sugar levels when their diabetes is first diagnosed.

Signs of diabetes include:

• extreme thirst and hunger
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• fatigue or weakness and
• unplanned weight loss

The types of diabetes include type 1 and type 2. Gestational diabetes is a form of type 2 that women may develop when pregnant. Over 90 percent of people with diabetes are type 2.

Type 1 diabetes was formerly called juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes. This occurs when the body stops making insulin. It is more common in children and adults less than 30 years old. Type I diabetes may take years to develop, but the symptoms may appear quickly, sometimes within days. Treatment requires daily insulin shots. Without these daily shots, the cells will starve, and the person will die. Treatment also includes monitoring blood sugar levels; following a diabetic diet; eating healthy foods; and exercise.

Type 2 diabetes was formerly known as adult-onset diabetes. This occurs when the body cannot use the insulin it makes or the body does not make enough insulin. This usually occurs in adults over 40 who are overweight, do not exercise, and have a family history of diabetes. With the increasing rate of overweight people, including children, type 2 is becoming more common among teenagers. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes controlled by losing weight; making dietary changes; and beginning to exercise. Some people may need to take pills or insulin shots or both. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that focuses on weight, diet, exercise, and blood sugar control.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and almost always goes away after the baby is born. Treatment begins with diet changes to lower blood glucose levels. Many women require insulin shots, but only during pregnancy. Tight blood sugar control is necessary during pregnancy to prevent hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia in the mother may cause problems for the fetus.

Uncontrolled diabetes causes many problems, such as:

• heart and kidney disease
• blindness
• nerve damage leading to amputations
• high blood pressure
• stroke and
• blood flow problems and poor wound healing

Diabetes is a lifelong disease. It requires constant monitoring. It is very important to work with your provider to keep this disease under control. The long term effects of uncontrolled diabetes are permanent and may be disabling. Call your provider if you, or a family member, have any of the symptoms of diabetes.

Diet, exercise, medications, and monitoring of blood sugar levels are all necessary parts of the treatment plan. A major goal of diabetes treatment is to bring glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This will help you feel better and it will prevent or delay complications.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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