Type 1
(also known as insulin dependent)

Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. It used to be called “juvenile-onset diabetes.”

Warning signs:

1. Frequent urination
2. Unusual thirst
3. Extreme hunger
4. Unusual weight loss
5. Extreme fatigue
6. Irritability
7. Blurred Vision

Children and young adults get type 1 most often. Some adults (mostly under 40) have been diagnosed as well.

Who is at Greater Risk for Type 1 Diabetes?

1. Siblings of people with type 1 diabetes
2. Children of parents with type 1 diabetes

Type 2

Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. 85-90% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It used to be called “adult- onset diabetes.”

Some symptoms* include:

1. Frequent urination
2. Excessive thirst
3. Extreme hunger
4. Unusual weight loss
5. Increased fatigue
6. Irritability
7. Frequent infections
8. Blurred vision
9. Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
10. Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
11. Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms

At one time, type 2 diabetes was more common in people over age 45. But now more young people, even children, have the disease because many are overweight or obese.

Who is at Greater Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

1. People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
2. People over age 45
3. People with a family history of diabetes
4. People who are overweight
5. People who do not exercise regularly
6. People with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
7. Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives)
8. Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth

Gestational

Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases in the United States each year. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have consistent elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes.

Symptoms are the same
as type 2 diabetes

Pregnant Women

Who is at Greater Risk for Gestational Diabetes?

Women over age 25
Gestational diabetes occurs more frequently among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians. It is also more common among obese women and women with personal or family history of diabetes.

Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 23.6 million with diabetes.

Some symptoms* include:

1. Frequent urination
2. Excessive thirst
3. Extreme hunger
4. Unusual weight loss
5. Increased fatigue
6. Irritability
7. Blurry vision
8. Slow healing sores or frequent infection

* Often pre-diabetes has no symptoms

Who is at Greater Risk for Pre-Diabetes?

1. People who are overweight
2. People who do not exercise regularly
3. People over age 45
4. People with family history of type 2 diabetes
5. Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Blacks, Hispanic, American Indians and Asian Americans)
6. Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth
7. Women having polycystic ovary syndrome
8. 2 million adolescents aged 12-19 (1 in 6 overweight adolescents aged 12-19) have pre-diabetes