What is Diabetes? 

Diabetes is a group of conditions in which glucose (sugar) levels are abnormally high. diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin, which is necessary for the proper metabolism of digested foods. 

It is estimated that 15-20 million people in the United States have some form of diabetes, although only half are diagnosed. The three main types of diabetes are insulin-dependent, also known as Type 1 diabetes; non-insulin dependent, also called Type II diabetes; and gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.

• Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) most often develops in children and young adults. Sometimes people over age 40 get IDDM, but it usually begins in younger ages. For this reason, IDDM used to be known as "juvenile" diabetes. IDDM is one of the most common chronic disorders in U.S. children. Each year, from 11,000-12,000 children are diagnosed with IDDM. Among the more than 7 million people in the U.S. who are being treated for diabetes, about 5 to 10 percent have IDDM.

• Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is the most common type of diabetes. It accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diagnosed diabetes and almost all of undiagnosed diabetes. NIDDM usually develops in adults over age 40 and is most common in those who are overweight. People with NIDDM usually produce some insulin, but the body cells cannot use it efficiently because the cells are resistant to the insulin. By losing weight, exercising, or taking oral medications, most people with NIDDM can overcome this resistance to insulin. However, some people with NIDDM require daily insulin injections.

• Gestational Diabetes occurs in some women during pregnancy. It usually ends after the baby is born,  but women with gestational diabetes may develop NIDDM when they get older. Gestational diabetes results from the body's resistance to the action of insulin. This resistance is caused by hormones the placenta produces during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is usually treated with diet. Some women may need insulin. Gestational diabetes cannot be treated with pills that lower blood glucose as these medicines can cause harm to the baby. 

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