Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high glucose levels in the blood due to the body’s inability to produce or use insulin to process the glucose. The term “diabetes” refers to three diabetes categories: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. In each, the body does not produce or properly use insulin — a hormone that is needed to convert sugar starches and other food into the energy we need to live. The exact causes of diabetes are still unclear, although both genetics and environmental or lifestyle factors can play an important role in the development of diabetes and its complications.
• TYPE 1 DIABETES — In this type of diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin, the hormone that “unlocks” the cells of the body, allowing glucose (sugar) to enter and fuel them. People who have type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to survive.
• TYPE 2 DIABETES — This is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin. Older people (and minorities) carry the highest risk for type 2, but a growing number of children and young adults are now being diagnosed with it.
• GESTATIONAL DIABETES — This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and then usually goes away after the baby is born. It’s very important to treat gestational diabetes because it can harm the developing fetus. Mothers who experience gestational diabetes are also at greatly increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• PRE DIABETES — This 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.
What Is The Link Between Diabetes and Being Overweight?
Being overweight is a leading risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, being heavy can make treating diabetes more difficult. Studies show that people who lose as little as 10-15 pounds and exercise just 30 minutes a day five times a week can reduce their risk of developing diabetes by almost 60%.
Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Take our KeyVive Diabetes Risk Test and find out!
