The American Diabetes Association
is currently running an ad campaign to help people who are at risk for the disease
recognize the signs. Of the 18.2 million Americans who have diabetes at least
one-third do not know they have the disease. Since adjustments in diet and activity-level
can delay and even prevent type 2 diabetes, it is very important to recognize
the symptoms as soon as possible.
There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. The different types are described below.
| Type 1 Diabetes accounts for 5-10% of all diabetes cases. Known as "juvenile diabetes", this disease is most common in children, and usually there is no prior history. It appears quickly with symptoms such as extreme thirst, excessive urination, and severe weight-loss as the body's immune system attacks insulin-making cells. | Type 2 Diabetes is more common and occurs within adults. The body makes insulin, however it cannot make enough needed for the body to function properly. The symptoms are the same as above with a slow onset. People who develop the disease are usually overweight, and there is a history of the disease in their family. Type 2 is a progressive disease that can result in major health problems including heart disease, kidney disease, blindness and loss of limbs through amputation. The disease can be prevented or delayed through proper exercise and diet. | Three to five percent of all prenant women develop gestational diabetes halfway through the pregnancy. Most can control the disease with diet, but some have to use insulin shots. Medication cannot be used, because it may be absorbed by the baby's body. Baby's born to mother's with gestational diabetes are usually healthy, although they may be much larger than normal. Some newborns have low blood sugar at birth. In many cases, the disease disappears after the baby is born, but women who have gestational diabetes are at a greater risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. |
So how can you tell if you're at risk for diabetes? Take this simple test offered by the American Diabetes Association to see if you have any risk factors. But be warned, this test rates on the high end to draw awareness to this serious disease. Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about the test.
More on Diabetes:
The writer of this article is not a medical professional. None of the information in this article should be considered medical advice or used as a substitute for visiting your doctor.
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