Download What is Diabetes? - University of Georgia

The University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension
Definition
 Group of diseases marked
by high blood glucose
(blood sugar) levels
 Caused by defects in
 Insulin production
 Insulin action
 Or both
 Can lead to serious
complications and
premature death if not
managed well.
Three Main Types of Diabetes
 Type 1
 Type 2
 Gestational
Type 1
 Originally called juvenile onset or insulin dependent
 Can occur at any age
 Most often diagnosed in childhood or teen years
 Pancreas fails to produce insulin
 Requires insulin treatment
What causes it?
 Autoimmune disease
 Environmental stress
 Genes
 No way currently to prevent
Type 2
 Non-insulin dependent or adult onset
 Most often occurs in older adults
 Now more common in children and teens
 Caused by insulin resistance
 Eventually not enough insulin produced by pancreas
What increases risk for Type 2?
 Older age
 Obesity
 Physical inactivity
 Family history of diabetes
 Race/ethnicity
 History of diabetes during pregnancy
 Impaired glucose metabolism
Gestational Diabetes
 Glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy
 May be caused by hormones of pregnancy
 More likely if
 Have African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native
American heritage
 Obese
 Family history of diabetes
Wake Up Call
 High blood glucose usually disappears after baby born
 About 5-10% have diabetes once delivered (usually
Type 2)
 40-60% chance of developing Type 2 in 5-10 years
Prevention of Type 2
 Weight loss of at least 7%
 Maintenance of that weight loss over time
 Physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day 5 or
more days per week
 Cuts risk almost 60%
Management
 Healthy meal plan that controls carbohydrates and
modifies fat intake
 Regular physical activity
 Monitoring of blood glucose
 Medication if needed
What have you learned?
 What are the 3 main types of diabetes?
 Who is most likely to develop each one?
 Why does each one occcur?
 How is each one treated?