November is designated as Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring awareness to the common types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. Diabetes affects one in 10 Americans and about 84 million others are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. All three types of diabetes are very different, however, they all deserve attention and awareness.
Type 1 diabetes, previously referred to as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, can develop at any age but more commonly in children and young adults. This type of diabetes develops when your body does not produce insulin and thus, insulin injections are required lifelong every day. Type 2 diabetes typically develops in middle-aged and older individuals but can also occur in childhood. This type of diabetes develops when your body does not make or use enough insulin and thus, insulin may or may not be required to manage it. Gestational diabetes develops in about 10% of pregnancies in the U.S. but is a temporary condition. Most of the time, this type of diabetes goes away after delivery, however, it increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
For resources and support related to type 1 diabetes, visit:
American Diabetes Association: diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1
JDRF: jdrf.org/t1d-resources/
Check out the other articles in our Living Well With Diabetes series: