Diabetes is the leading cause of death in the United States. Some recent facts concerning diabetes, presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:

• In the United States, as of 2002, 18.0 million people of the ages 20 years or older have diabetes.

• About 65% of deaths among people with diabetes are due to heart disease and stroke.

• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years.

• About 60%-70% of diabetics have mild to severe forms of nervous system damage, such as: slowed digestion of food in the stomach, carpal tunnel syndrome, impaired sensation or pain in the feet or hands.

• Gum disease is more common among people with diabetes.

• Poorly controlled diabetes during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can result in excessively large babies.

• Diabetics are more likely to die with pneumonia or influenza than people who do not have diabetes.

Common symptoms of diabetes are: weakness, hunger, thirst, weight loss, increased need to urinate, sudden changes in vision, very dry skin, and sores that are slow to heal. Diabetics also have sweet-smelling breath and could suffer from confusion.

Insulin-dependent diabetes is the least common form of this disease. Insulin-diabetes is more commonly known as Type I diabetes, or juvenile-onset diabetes. Patients with Type I diabetes are unable to produce insulin. Diabetics with Type I diabetes are genetically predisposed to the disease.

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes is known as Type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to respond to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is predominant in minorities. About 90%-95% of diabetics have this form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetics are also usually obese.

Gestational diabetes affects only pregnant women. If it is not treated, it can cause many problems for mothers and babies. The occurrence of gestational diabetes is minimal, affecting only about less than 5% of all pregnancies. Gestational diabetes usually disappears when the pregnancy is over.

Treatment for diabetics will vary, depending on the type of diabetes the patient has. Nutrition and physical activity are the easiest changes for a diabetic lifestyle. Insulin injections are required for Type I diabetics. People with Type 2 diabetes will incorporate blood glucose testing as well, and will require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels.

If you have, or think you have diabetes, you should visit your health care provider. Your physician will help control your diabetes. Ask your physician for more information on managing and controlling your diabetes. Diabetics may also see other physicians, such as podiatrists, opthalmologists, dieticians and endocrinologists.