Diabetes Care
Type of Diabetes
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a lifetime condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
Why is Insulin Important?
Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Only 5 to 10% of people with diabetes have type 1. With the help of insulin therapy and educations, even young children with type 1 diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives. [American Diabetes Association]
Some symptoms of type 1 diabetes may include:
- Rapid weight loss without dieting
- Feeling very thirsty, dry mouth
- Feeling tired or weak
- Excessive urination
- Stomach pain, nausea/vomiting
- Fruity, sweet smell in breath
- Heavy labored breathing
- Confusion
For additional information on type 1 diabetes
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a lifetime condition that affects the way your body breaks down sugar (glucose), your body's main source of fuel. Type 2 diabetes, which is far more common, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is common and has grown into epidemic levels. It is more common in people who are overweight and do not get enough physical activity.
There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but you can manage or even prevent the condition. Start by eating healthy foods, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren't enough, you may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy to manage your blood sugar.
Some symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:
- Feeling very thirsty, dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss without dieting
- Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual
- Blurry vision
- Dark pigmentation around neck (acanthosis nigricans)
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational (jes-TAY-shun-ul) diabetes is a type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. It means you have never had diabetes before. Having gestational diabetes means you have a problem with high blood sugar while you are pregnant. The treatment is to control blood sugar. This can help prevent a difficult birth. It also helps keep your baby healthy. When you are pregnant, too much glucose is not good for your baby.
Reported rates of gestational diabetes range from 2 to 10% of all pregnancies. Immediately after pregnancy, 5 to 10% of women with gestational diabetes are found to have diabetes, usually type 2. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a 35 to 60% chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 to 20 years. Many women who have gestational diabetes get type 2 diabetes later in life. Controlling your weight gain during pregnancy may prevent type 2 diabetes in the future.
Some symptoms of gestational diabetes may include:
Most women may not have symptoms of gestational diabetes. Sometimes symptoms of diabetes may be confused with symptoms of a normal pregnancy. Please speak with your doctor about an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to find out if you have gestational diabetes.
For a complimentary brochure about gestational diabetes please click below: http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/107/162/2009_0804GDM_Cons_singlpgs.pdf
After pregnancy tip sheet: http://ndep.nih.gov/media/NeverTooEarly_Tipsheet.pdf
