Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce insulin, the hormone that unlocks cells so glucose can enter and provide energy. About 5 to 10% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes.
Living with Type 1 diabetes increases your risk of serious complications, including heart disease (cardiovascular disease), vision loss (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy).
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin—a condition where insulin is not used effectively—combined with a relative deficiency of insulin. The majority of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes also raises the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. Learning about these complications and how to manage them is crucial.
Gestational Diabetes
Approximately 4% of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes each year, totaling about 135,000 cases.
Because gestational diabetes can impact both mother and baby, early treatment is essential. The goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range, similar to those of pregnant women without gestational diabetes. Treatment typically includes special meal plans, scheduled physical activity, daily blood glucose monitoring, and sometimes insulin injections. Support from your healthcare team—including your doctor and nurse educator—is important to adjust your treatment as needed.
For expectant mothers, managing gestational diabetes lowers the risk of needing a cesarean section due to very large babies. Following your treatment plan helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and may reduce your baby’s risk of future health problems.
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a state in which blood sugar levels are elevated beyond the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. Around 41 million Americans have pre-diabetes, in addition to 20.8 million diagnosed with diabetes.
