Overview

Diabetes is a health condition that can increase the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to significant disability, including blindness, amputations, and kidney failure. Prediabetes is a health condition involving blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body has a shortage of insulin, a decreased ability to use insulin, or both. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted to energy. When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood and, over time, damage vital organs. 

Types of diabetes

Prediabetes

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Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

People with prediabetes have an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease, and stroke.

Prediabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes like 

  • healthy eating
  • lowering body weight
  • increasing physical activity

before it becomes type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

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Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and can be  prevented through

  • healthy eating
  • lowering body weight
  • increasing physical activity

It can be controlled to prevent life-threatening illness and disability with these same activities, but insulin or oral medication also may be necessary.

Type 1 diabetes

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Type 1 diabetes usually is first diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that may be caused by genetic, environmental, or other factors.

Gestational diabetes

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Gestational diabetes is a form of glucose intolerance that is diagnosed during pregnancy. It requires treatment to bring maternal blood sugar (glucose) to normal levels and avoid complications in the infant.

Data and statistics

The Alaska Diabetes Prevention and Control Program focuses on monitoring the burden of Diabetes in Alaska.

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Diabetes Control and Prevention