General Overview of Diabetes

The term diabetes is one many individuals are familiar with. However how much information one has on a disease of this type varies from individual to individual. In general, diabetes is caused by one’s body not being able to adequately process the insulin that exists inside of them. There are many different types of diabetes and the severity of each condition depends on the type and the individual themselves.

Types of Diabetes

There are four major types of diabetes which should be highlighted to provide individuals with a better understanding of their categories. The first variety is Type 1 diabetes. In this type of diabetes the body fails to produce insulin thereby allowing glucose to enter the bloodstream and fuel the cells. The American Diabetes Association estimates that approximately 5-10% of the American population with diabetes has Type 1 diabetes.

The second kind of diabetes which plagues individuals is Type 2 diabetes. With this type of diabetes, the individual’s body fails to use insulin in a proper manner and there is an insulin deficiency as well. Most Americans with diabetes have this type of diabetes.

Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes. This is a form of diabetes which affects pregnant women and this afflicts about 4% of American pregnant women.

Lastly, pre-diabetes is the fourth type of diabetes which can afflict individuals. Those individuals who have pre-diabetes have high blood glucose levels but below the point of those individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a medical condition which can range in severity and needs to be properly diagnosed in individuals so that they receive proper and effective treatment.