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November is Diabetes
Awareness Month |
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IDiabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce
or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert
sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The
cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and
environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to
play roles.
There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8%
of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million
have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.7 million people (or
nearly one quarter) are unaware that they have the disease. |
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Previous
Health Topics |
In order to determine whether or not a patient has
pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma
Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Either test
can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes
Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, faster, and less
expensive to perform.
With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125
mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood glucose level
of 126 mg/dl or higher has diabetes.
In the OGTT test, a person's blood glucose level is measured after a
fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If the
two-hour blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person
tested has pre-diabetes. If the two-hour blood glucose level is at 200
mg/dl or higher, the person tested has diabetes.
Major Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that
"unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel
them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with
diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to
properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most
Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Immediately after pregnancy, 5% to 10% of women with gestational
diabetes are found to have diabetes, usually, type 2.
Pre-diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose
levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of
type 2 diabetes. There are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes,
in addition to the 23.6 million with diabetes.
Recently Diagnosed
You or someone you love has just been diagnosed with diabetes -- chances
are you have a million questions running through your head. This area of
our Web site can help ease your fears and teach you more about living
with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes, and connect you with
others affected by diabetes who will listen and share their own
experiences.
Diabetes Learning Center
Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the
Diabetes Learning Center -- an area for people who have been recently
diagnosed with diabetes, or those needing basic information.
Diabetes Symptoms
Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so
harmless. Learn what they are in this section.
Diabetes Risk Test
23.6 million Americans have diabetes -- nearly one in four does not know
it! Take our diabetes risk test to see if you are at risk for having
diabetes. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native
Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Diabetes Myths
Find the truth about some of the most common myths about diabetes.
Diabetes Statistics
With so many people affected by diabetes, the American Diabetes
Association has compiled statistics on the impact of diabetes and its
complications. We have statistics listed by population, complication,
and economic impact.
The Genetics of Diabetes
You've probably wondered how you got diabetes. You may worry that your
children will get it too. Unlike some traits, diabetes does not seem to
be inherited in a simple pattern. Yet clearly, some people are born more
likely to get diabetes than others.
Who's on your health care team?
No matter what kind of diabetes you have, it affects many parts of your
life. You can get help from health professionals trained to focus on
different areas, from head to toe. A health care team helps you use the
health care system to its fullest. So whom do you need on your team?
Find out here.
Books & Magazines
Visit our bookstore for a variety of cookbooks, meal planners, self-care
guides and other educational materials to assist you in managing
diabetes.
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For more information, visit American Diabetes
Association |
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