Diabetes occurs when a person's body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use insulin properly. In persons with diabetes, the sugar (glucose) builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, nerve damage and kidney damage. Diabetes is a serious condition that can be controlled. Good control reduces your risk of complications. Working with your HHC healthcare team and managing your diabetes at home is the key to success in controlling your diabetes.
Visit our online Diabetes Wellness Center often to find the information, advice, resources and support you need to win the challenge. We want you to live life to the fullest with diabetes.
The three most common types of diabetes are:
- Type 1 diabetes - Occurs when the pancreas can no longer make insulin, the hormone that regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This form of diabetes usually develops in children or young adults. Type 1 diabetes patients need insulin (delivered by injection, pump, or oral medications) in order to store and use glucose. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes - Develops when the body stops recognizing the insulin secreted by the pancreas. It begins with insulin resistance and leads to a situation similar to type 1 diabetes in which the pancreas can’t secrete enough insulin. The cells start off being unable to use the insulin being produced and eventually the pancreas stops making it. Nearly 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes - Occurs when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy (insulin resistance). Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. This is called hyperglycemia.