Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
In
type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in children and young adults, the body does not make insulin. Risk factors may be autoimmune, genetic, or environmental. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes (Sugar)
In
type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly. There are risk factors that make it more likely that someone would get type 2 diabetes. Some racial and ethnic minorities are at higher risk. Find out your risk by taking this
60-second quiz.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes can develop when a woman is pregnant. Having this type of diabetes is a risk factor for getting type 2 diabetes. After delivering the baby, women can take a
Diabetes Prevention Class to reduce chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Other Types of Diabetes
Other types of diabetes can happen for other reasons. These include genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses.
Complications
Complications of diabetes include nerve damage which can lead to amputations, kidney disease, vision loss, high blood pressure, which raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Have a healthy body weight
- Do regular physical exercise
- Quit smoking
- Go to the doctor regularly
- Get your blood pressure checked at each visit
- Get your blood glucose (sugar) checked twice a year
- Get your cholesterol checked at least once a year
- Get your kidney function checked at least once a year
- Get an eye exam at least once a year
- Get your feet checked for sores at each doctor visit
- Maintain healthy blood glucose levels
- Get a flu shot
- Go to the doctor when you are sick
Check our
Resources page for more information
Find a class to learn ways meet health related goals and day-to-day management of diabetes.
Not sure what class is right for you? Use
this chart to find out.”
Paying for Diabetes Care
If you can’t afford diabetes medications, tell your doctor right away. He or she should be able to help you find diabetes medication and supplies that you can afford.
