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In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin and therefore blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. Insulin is the only treatment. It is estimated that 5 -10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes and are usually, though not exclusively, under the age of 30.
In Type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body is unable to use insulin correctly. This type of diabetes may be controlled by healthy eating and a regular exercise program, but many people may need one or more medications and/or insulin to control their blood sugar. Approximately 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes in the past has affected people older than age 60, but now it is affecting younger adults and children in increasing numbers as well. This is primarily due to increased numbers of younger people eating poorly, being overweight, being inactive, and heredity.
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. Eating healthy and regular exercise may prevent diabetes from ever developing. It is estimated that at least 20 million Americans have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 18 million with diabetes. Exercise, and changed eating habits together with planned weight loss can prevent pre-diabetes from ever advancing to a diagnosis of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes starts or is first recognized during pregnancy. It usually becomes apparent during the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy. Risk factors for gestational diabetes are maternal age over 25 years, family history of diabetes, obesity, birth weight over 9 pounds in a previous infant, unexplained death in a previous infant or newborn, congenital malformation in a previous child, and recurrent infections. In many cases, the blood-glucose level returns to normal after delivery. There is an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if the mother is overweight and has a family history of diabetes. A lab fasting blood glucose is recommended annually.