This serious disease is caused by excess glucose in the bloodstream due to the body's inability to produce or utilize sufficient levels of insulin. It is a burdensome and costly condition that can result in severe complications, even death. Associated medical problems include hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, stroke, eye complications, neuropathy, amputation and ketoacidosis.

Types of Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1

is an autoimmune disorder and affects five percent to ten percent of all people with the disease. It is characterized by the loss of insulin producing cells and requires insulin delivered by injection or through a pump.

Type 2

is more common and affects 90 percent to 95 percent of people with diabetes. It develops gradually and is characterized by insulin deficiency and resistance. Treatment can include medical nutrition therapy, oral medications and injections.

Gestational Diabetes

occurs in two to five percent of all pregnancies and causes complications for both mother and child. Normal glucose tolerance usually returns after pregnancy.

The disease risk increases as a person ages, gains weight or is inactive. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latin Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Isanders and American Indians. Additional risk factors are high blood pressure, a family history, having the condition during pregnancy and delivering a baby weighing more than nine pounds.

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