Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
There are two major types of diabetes:- Type 1 is a disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections. It accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes.
- Type 2 is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of the disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes and is nearing epidemic proportions, due to an increased number of older Americans, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Sutter Amador Hospital's Outpatient Diabetes Center offers counseling, nutritional information and a monthly support group. For more information, please call the Sutter Amador Outpatient Diabetes Center at (209) 223-7448.
Brought to you by Sutter Amador Hospital and Kim Vagt, Registered Dietician and Director of the Outpatient Diabetes Center at Sutter Amador Hospital.
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