Millions of Americans suffer from diabetes, a condition resulting in high glucose levels. Glucose, a sugar in your blood, is meant to provide your body with energy. However, it requires insulin, a hormone the pancreas produces, to carry it to your cells, where it can perform its job. Depending on the type of diabetes you have -- Type I, Type 2 or Gestational -- your body either doesn't produce insulin or is resistant to the amount your body does produce.
Children, Teens and Young Adults
This group of people are usually the first to develop Type I diabetes, formerly known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes. The immune system of the body attacks the cells of the pancreas, preventing it from producing insulin. If you have Type I diabetes, you must take insulin daily, either in the form of self-injections or an insulin pump. Lifestyle changes are another requirement, and include making the right food choices, exercising and controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure; these medical conditions can have an adverse affect on your blood sugar levels.
Pregnant Women
Gestational diabetes affects approximately 4 percent of all pregnant women in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. Onset is usually around the 28th week pf pregnancy, and the disease usually goes away once you give birth. Although the exact cause is not known, the placenta supporting your baby as it grows emits hormones. These hormones can block the insulin in your body, resulting in insulin resistance. Your doctor may place use medical nutrition therapy -- a diabetic diet -- to manage your diabetes until you deliver. Additionally, if you experience gestational diabetes, you face a greater risk of developing Type II diabetes later in life.
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which your glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for your doctor to diagnose you with Type II diabetes. In most cases, you can prevent or reverse this risk factor by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising on a regular basis, eating a high-fiber diet and reducing the amount of fat you consume. If left untreated, pre-diabetes almost always progresses to Type II diabetes, as MayoClinic.com explains.
Obesity
Obesity is a major risk factor for Type II diabetes, the most common from of this disease. If you have Type II diabetes, your body is resistant to the insulin your body produces. The complications of obesity make it difficult for your body to use insulin as it should, resulting in higher-than-normal glucose levels. Your doctor may prescribe medication, such as insulin, to help control your blood sugar, along with calorie and carbohydrate control. An increase in physical activity and self-glucose monitoring are usually required.
Your Age
Your risk of developing Type II diabetes increases as you become older, especially after the age of 45. MayoClinic.com explains that this is when most people begin gaining weight and lose muscle mass, which results in burning less glucose for energy. And, you may become less physically active.
