Diabetes
In Type 1 diabetes, occurring most often in children and
young adults, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. As a result, these
individuals must inject insulin to control blood sugars.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body's
inability to use insulin, or the body does not have enough insulin to meet
the demand. This type of diabetes typically occurs in adults, though more
recently the disease is being seen in children. Before people develop Type
2 diabetes, they almost always have "pre-diabetes," where blood
sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed
with diabetes.
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The number of adults in Wisconsin with diabetes is estimated to be
almost 327,000, or 8% of the state population. An estimated 3,000
children in Wisconsin have the disease.
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The prevalence of diabetes increases with advancing age.
An
estimated 18% of people age 65 and over have the disease.
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There is a higher prevalence of
diabetes among African-Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics.
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In 2002, diabetes was the underlying
cause in 1,353 deaths, making it the sixth leading cause of death in
Wisconsin.
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Diabetes can affect many parts of the
body, and can lead to serious complications: heart disease, blindness,
kidney damage and lower-leg amputations.
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The Diabetes
Prevention and Control Program has shown that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed
or even prevented with regular physical activity, a five to seven
percent weight reduction and improved nutrition.
For further information, visit the website of the American
Diabetes Association (exit DHS).
Last Revised: July 12, 2010
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