(NewsNation) — More than 38 million Americans had diabetes in 2021, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Diabetes is a long-term medical condition that impacts the body’s ability to convert food into energy. It occurs when blood sugar levels rise too high, leading to inadequate insulin production by the pancreas.
Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels by enabling the cells to absorb glucose, a form of sugar, from the bloodstream. Glucose serves as the main source of energy for the body.
Multiple types of diabetes exist. Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes are the most common.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder that obstructs the body’s insulin production, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. This results in the accumulation of sugar in the bloodstream, causing elevated blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycemia.
People with Type 1 diabetes must inject insulin daily to manage blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes
Lifestyle and genetic factors can lead to Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes.
Like Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. However, Type 1 is caused by an autoimmune reaction, while obesity, lack of exercise and familial diagnoses contribute to Type 2.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy, when expecting mothers have high blood sugar levels.
Most people deliver healthy babies despite having gestational diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The condition typically goes away after giving birth, but patients are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life if they have gestational diabetes.
