Diabetes Fast Facts
Do You Have Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas needed to convert sugar and starches into energy needed for daily life. Normally glucose enters your cells because of the action of insulin. It acts as a key and assists glucose transport from the blood to the cell. In people with diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not properly respond to the insulin, therefore, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream and eventually is excreted in the urine.
An estimated 17 million Americans have diabetes, or approximately five percent of the U.S. population is at risk. Tragically, the incidence of the disease in some ethnic groups is as high as 50 percent. With the rate of diabetes steadily increasing, the need for an aggressive search for better treatments and a cure is readily apparent.
Type 1 Diabetes
In the past, this was known as juvenile-onset diabetes, or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system slowly destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that works to allow glucose access to the body's cells, thereby providing fuel for the metabolic processes. The pancreas of a patient with Type 1 diabetes produces little or no insulin and therefore, they must take insulin injections to survive. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but most commonly develops in children between the ages of five and 15.
Type 2 Diabetes
Formerly referred to as adult-onset diabetes, or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), Type 2 diabetes is usually found in individuals who are more than 40 years old and overweight. In Type 2 diabetes, insulin does not work effectively, therefore, the insulin produced by the pancreas is not sufficient to keep the blood sugar level normal and the body's cells are unable to properly use glucose.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes. It occurs when the body is unable to properly use and produce enough insulin during pregnancy and as a result glucose levels rise. Symptoms usually occur during the 2nd or 3rd trimester when the baby’s body has developed and is growing.
Unfortunately, the effects of uncontrolled diabetes can be tragic. Complications stem from damage to blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. As a result, diabetic eye disease, kidney disease, vascular disease and nerve damage can occur.
Could you have diabetes? Click here to find out if you are at risk.
Thankfully, those confronted with the challenges associated with diabetes need not face them without help and knowledge. The Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism at City of Hope's Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Diabetes and Genetic Research Center offers a comprehensive program that combines detailed treatment protocols with continuing education. This assures that people living with diabetes have the medical care and information they need to achieve an optimal quality of life.