WHAT IS DIABETES? 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 - 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 to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes and is often referred to as "Juvenile Diabetes." Type 2 - 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. Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions, due to an increased number of older Americans, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Gestational diabetes develops in 2 -5 percent of all pregnancies but disappears when a pregnancy is over. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. "Other specific types" of diabetes result from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses. DIABETES SYMPTOMS You can have no symptoms and have diabetes. Here are some typical symptoms which might indicate diabetes:   Warning Signs of Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes: Frequent urination Unusual thirst Extreme hunger Unusual weight loss Extreme fatigue Irritability Type 2 Diabetes: Any of the Type 1 symptoms Frequent infections Blurred vision Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal Tingling/numbness in the hands or feet Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections Extremely dry skin HEALTH EFFECTS OF DIABETES Blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people ages 20-74. Each year, from 12,000 to 24,000 people lose their sight because of diabetes. Kidney Disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, accounting for about 40% of new cases. In 1995, approximately 27,900 people initiated treatment for end stage renal disease (kidney failure) because of diabetes. Nerve Disease and Amputations. About 60-70 percent of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which, in severe forms, can lead to lower limb amputations. In fact, diabetes is the most frequent cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. The risk of a leg amputation is 15-40 times greater for a person with diabetes. Each year, more than 56,000 amputations are performed among people with diabetes. Heart Disease and Stroke. People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease which is present in 75 percent of diabetes-related deaths (more than 77,000 deaths due to heart disease annually). And, they are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer a stroke. Teeth and Gum Disease Complications with pregnancy Links: American Diabetes Association (ADA) Pacific Diabetes Today Resource Center National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii Content written by Esther Figueroa, Ph.D., Juniroa Productions, Inc. Source content from Pacific Diabetes Today Resource Center & American Diabetes Association.