by Anne Brodgesell

Created on: March 08, 2009   Last Updated: March 30, 2009

Diabetes is rising among U.S. adults with approximately 6% of the population being affected. Recent results of data analysis shows that almost 13% of those aged 20 or older have diabetes. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Diabetes is a disease that can injure or kill through heart disease, blindness, or kidney disease. In diabetes, levels of blood sugar (glucose) are above normal. When the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the muscles, fat and liver don't use insulin properly, people develop pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes or Insulin Resistance occurs when the cells in the body become resistant to insulin and blood glucose levels are higher than normal. Many people diagnosed with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. They also have a higher risk of stroke or heart disease. There are often no signs or symptoms and pre-diabetes is often discovered during a routine physical. Having pre-diabetes does not necessarily mean that you will develop type 2 diabetes. A lifestyle change with modest weight loss (5 to 7 percent of your body weight) and mild exercise can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. The study, "The Diabetes Prevention Program" showed that a 5 to 7 percent weight loss reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 58%.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes Formerly known as juvenile diabetes as it is usually diagnosed in childhood.

Type 2 Diabetes Formerly known as adult-onset diabetes and is the most common form of diabetes. This accounts for about 90% of all cases of diabetes and usually is found in adults.

Gestational Diabetes High blood glucose in a pregnant woman who does not have diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the body's immune system has attacked the pancreas. Insulin must be taken daily for the rest of the patient's life. One out of 10 diabetics has Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or the cells ignore it. This form usually begins with insulin resistance. As a result, the body needs more insulin. Nine out of ten people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy but disappears after the birth. Pregnant women need more insulin and many develop this diabetes in the late stages of their pregnancy. This form goes away with the birth of the child but women who have suffered from Gestational Diabetes are more likely to

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