Diabetes & Chronic Disease

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that results in low or no insulin production and/or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. Insulin is needed to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. Left untreated, too much sugar in the blood can cause damage to the body’s nerves, blood vessels, and organs.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that leads to full destruction of the pancreatic cells that make insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disorder that leads to a steady decline of pancreatic cells that make insulin and/or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition occurring in pregnancy. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.