Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. This is due to insufficient amounts of insulin produced by the pancreas, a decreased sensitivity to the insulin in the blood, or a liver that releases too much glucose. The causes for these complications are related to a number of different factors and are treated in different ways.

There are four major types of diabetes: (click for details)

• Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

• Type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)

• Gestational diabetes

• Pre-diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes (IDDM)

Type 1 diabetes has also been called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes. It accounts for approximately 5% of all diabetes cases in the U.S. and is usually seen in children and young adults. The cause is very clear and so is the treatment. It is caused by the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas. These cells are the only cells in the body that are responsible for the production of insulin. Since insulin is no longer produced by the body it is necessary to supplement with insulin shots.

Fortunately research has shown that there are nutritional products that can help heal parts of the pancreas that are not permanently damaged. There are also products that contain naturally occurring insulin. These products are common all over the world and are available in some nutritional supplements in the United States. They can help people suffering from diabetes.

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Type 2 Diabetes (NIDDM)

Type 2 diabetes is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes. About 95% of the diabetic population has type 2 diabetes, making it much more common. The problem with the label of adult-onset is that there are a growing number of adolescents developing type 2 diabetes because of the poor eating habits that are common in America. The other finding that is changing the face of type 2 diabetes is the fact that research is showing signs of type 1 diabetes in a portion of the type 2 diagnoses.

Type 2 diabetes is much more complicated than type 1 because the cause can be from multiple sources. The sources include a decrease in the level of insulin produced by the pancreas, a drop in the amount of glucose absorbed by the cells in the body (insulin sensitivity), and an increase in the amount of glucose released by the liver. This is typically seen in people who are older, obese, or genetically predisposed to diabetes.

There are also a number of different medications to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications do more than just insulin alone. Unfortunately these treatments can cause major side affects as opposed to their natural counterparts.

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Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of glucose intolerance seen in pregnant women. It is seen in about 4% of all pregnancies. These women typically see elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Although the cause is unclear it is estimated that the extra load put on the mother by the baby makes it harder for the mother’s body to use insulin. Since the insulin isn’t properly produced and utilized the mother’s blood sugar levels begin to rise.

This is seen later in the pregnancy when the baby is formed and growing. If treated properly, birth defects seen in pregnancies with parents already diagnosed with diabetes will not typically be seen. If left untreated there are a number of complications that can arise.

Extra glucose will pass through the placenta, but not insulin. With glucose levels elevating the baby’s pancreas will produce more insulin. The extra glucose will then be stored as fat possibly leading to macrosomia or “fat” baby. This can lead to many complications with the baby including injured shoulders at birth, low blood glucose levels, breathing complications, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Typically this condition goes away after the pregnancy is over but it is much more likely to occur with future pregnancies. In some cases the pregnancy reveals a preexisting diabetic condition.

By watching weight, exercising regularly, and eating properly these conditions can be avoided to some extent.

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Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is used to describe people who are at risk for developing diabetes. They typically have impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). IFG is a condition that is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, 100 to 125 mg/dL, after an overnight fast. IGT is characterized by blood sugar levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL after a 2 hour oral glucose tolerance test.

What to do:

People with pre-diabetes are at risk for developing diabetes but they can take action to prevent it. By exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, it is possible to enhance your body’s ability to utilize glucose. Adding a balanced diet can work synergistically to help you lose weight. A loss of just 10 pounds can make a difference and when more is done then the results are even better. This can also lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Who’s at risk?:

Being overweight is one of the first signs of being at risk for diabetes. The age of 45 seems to be the age by which a person becomes more at risk for developing diabetes. Combine being overweight with being 45 years old or older and this is the primary example for someone who is at risk. Being overweight and under the age of 45 doesn’t exempt you from being at risk so it is still a good idea to get tested. Many insurance companies even cover the cost of these tests. The earlier a person finds they are at risk for developing diabetes, the better chance they have of preventing it.

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