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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
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You or a loved one might already be living with diabetes, just like 16 million Americans. Or maybe there was a recent diagnosis of diabetes. Either way, it's important that you know the facts about this lifelong and serious-but manageable-medical condition.
There are several forms of Diabetes and it is caused as a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin - or, in some cases, not producing any insulin at all.
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that isn't producing any insulin. They will have to receive insulin for the rest of their lives.
Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have a pancreas that produces some insulin, but not nearly enough to meet their needs. Type 2 is by far the most common form of diabetes. Between 90% and 95% of the people who have diabetes have Type 2.
Another common form of the disease is gestational diabetes, a condition that occurs during pregnancy. Women who deliver babies over nine pounds in weight are at the most risk of developing this pregnancy-related type of diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually (90% of the time) disappears after delivery, but patients with gestational diabetes have a 3-4 times greater risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
You can do everything you're supposed to do to cut the risk, and still get diabetes. While it's a serious condition and one that must be treated properly, it's a disease that can be controlled. In fact, millions of Americans lead active and perfectly functional lives without their medical conditions controlling them. By working with your team of healthcare professionals and never being afraid to ask questions or discuss treatment options, you can make the most of the situation.
More features about Diabetes:
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Sep 14, 2004
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Robert M. Cohen, MD Associate Professor Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism Department of Internal Medicine College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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Laurie Sadler, MD Medical Director and Assistant Professor Center for Vascular Health St. Vincent Charity Hospital School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Saul Genuth, MD Professor of Medicine Endocrinology Division University Hospitals School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) |