Diabetes

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can be associated with serious complications and premature death, but persons with diabetes can take measures to reduce the likelihood of such occurrences. 15.7 million people -- 5.9% of the population -- have diabetes. But only 10.3 million people are diagnosed so that leaves 5.4 million people not diagnosed.

Studies have found death rates to be twice as high among middle-aged people with diabetes as among middle-aged people without diabetes. Based on death certificate data, diabetes contributed to 193,140 deaths in 1996. Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates in 1996, according to CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.

Diabetes is believed to be underreported on death certificates, both as a condition and as a cause of death. 6.3 million. 18.4% of all people 65 years and older have diabetes. 15.6 million.

8.2% of all people 20 years and older have diabetes. 123,000. 0.16% of all people under age 20 have diabetes. Prevalence data for diabetes among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are limited. Some groups within this population are at increased risk for diabetes. For example, data collected from 1988 to 1995 suggest that Native Hawaiians are twice as likely to have diagnosed diabetes as white residents of Hawaii.

The four types of diabetes are: · Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors are less well defined for type 1 diabetes than for type 2 diabetes, but autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in the development of this type of diabetes · Type 2 diabetes was previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes. · Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but disappears when a pregnancy is over.