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Introduction
to Diabetes The pancreas is a small organ in the rear of the upper abdomen that produces a hormone known as insulin. This hormone is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy, but in some people the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body may not use the insulin correctly. These conditions are known as different types of diabetes.The cause is not fully understood, but obesity and lack of exercise appear to be major factors. Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. There are medications available that don't need to be injected, and mild cases may not require medication at all! It's a serious condition, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. Click here to listen to this message
Types of Diabetes (first broadcast 1/19/006) More than 20 Million Americans have diabetes, and a further 41 Million have Pre-diabetes, which means that their blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is the most common form and is caused by insulin resistance when a person's body creates enough insulin, but can't use it properly to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. A much less common form of diabetes is called Type 1, and this occurs if the body just doesn't produce enough insulin. Only about 10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 1. An even less common form is called gestational diabetes and this affects about 4% of all pregnant women. This is usually a temporary condition that corrects itself after the pregnancy. Click here to listen to this message
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Other resources on this subject: Am I at risk for type 2 diabetes? Lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes among American Indians |
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