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| diabetes
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| Pronunciation: | dI-uh-bE-dEz |
| Definition : | Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are two types of diabetes. |
| Facts: |
Type 1. An auto-immune disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10 percent of diabetes.
Type 2. A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of the disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95 percent of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions due to an increased number of older, obese, or inactive Americans. Gestational diabetes develops in 2–5 percent of all pregnancies but disappears when a pregnancy is over. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Diabetes may result from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses. |
| References: | American Diabetes Association |