Diabetes: A Growing Concern

An estimated 20 million people in the United States have diabetes, or nearly seven percent of the total population. Known as a silent killer, five million people are unaware that they are affected. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the subject of research projects and clinical trials nationwide.

Diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce or correctly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that changes sugar, starches and other food into energy. When controls break down and the level of insulin in the body rises too high, the patient becomes diabetic. Related health problems can be severe, including blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputation, heart disease and stroke.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of diabetes is not yet known, Americans' inactive lifestyle and regular diet of fats, salt and sugar account for a large portion of the worrisome rise in the number of diabetic patients. Persons at risk also include those over age 45, overweight individuals and certain ethnic groups (African American, Latino and Native American).

Types and Treatment

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1

Previously known as juvenile onset diabetes, this type occurs when the pancreas makes little or no insulin. The body's own immune system may attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Most often seen in children and young adults, Type-1 diabetes is treated with daily insulin injections and careful meal planning. Regular exercise is also important in controlling the disease.

Type 2

Almost at the epidemic stage, type 2 accounts for more than 90 percent of all cases. In this adult disorder, the body becomes unable to make enough insulin or to use it properly. Treatment involves medications (insulin and other drugs), careful eating and exercise.

During pregnancy, some women experience gestational diabetes. Pregnancy hormones tend to make the body resist insulin. This type of diabetes usually goes away soon after the baby is born. Later in life, women who experience gestational diabetes may become diabetic.

Resources at Cedars-Sinai


For more information on women's health matters, any of the programs and services listed, or a referral to a Cedars-Sinai physician or program, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771)