The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

DefinitionGroup of diseases

marked by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels

Caused by defects inInsulin productionInsulin actionOr both

Can lead to serious complications and premature death if not managed well.

Three Main Types of DiabetesType 1Type 2Gestational

Type 1Originally called juvenile onset or insulin

dependentCan occur at any ageMost often diagnosed in childhood or teen

yearsPancreas fails to produce insulinRequires insulin treatment

What causes it?Autoimmune diseaseEnvironmental stressGenesNo way currently to prevent

Type 2 Non-insulin dependent or adult onsetMost often occurs in older adultsNow more common in children and teensCaused by insulin resistance Eventually not enough insulin produced by

pancreas

What increases risk for Type 2?Older ageObesity Physical inactivityFamily history of diabetesRace/ethnicityHistory of diabetes during pregnancyImpaired glucose metabolism

Gestational DiabetesGlucose intolerance diagnosed during

pregnancyMay be caused by hormones of pregnancyMore likely if

Have African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native American heritage

ObeseFamily history of diabetes

Wake Up CallHigh blood glucose usually disappears after

baby bornAbout 5-10% have diabetes once delivered

(usually Type 2) 40-60% chance of developing Type 2 in 5-10

years

Prevention of Type 2Weight loss of at least 7%Maintenance of that weight loss over timePhysical activity for at least 30 minutes per

day 5 or more days per week

Cuts risk almost 60%

ManagementHealthy meal plan that controls

carbohydrates and modifies fat intakeRegular physical activityMonitoring of blood glucoseMedication 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?