Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes and Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is considered to be any form of impaired glucose tolerance beginning with or first recognized during pregnancy. This occurs in as many as 18 percent of all pregnancies and is more common in older mothers-to-be, smokers and obese patients.

Although risk factors aid in determining the chance of developing gestational diabetes, about half of all those afflicted had no risk factors whatsoever. For most women, the diabetes disappears after the pregnancy, but the chances of developing type 2 diabetes in later years is higher than for those who never experienced gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

Gestational Diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy and involves a shortage of insulin. Most cases disappear at the end of the pregnancy, but this puts women at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later on.

Insulin Pump Therapy

Many diabetes patients are required to give themselves insulin injections to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Insulin pump therapy is a newer alternative that allows patients to manage their diabetes around the clock without having to inject insulin. The small pump is worn discreetly on the lower abdomen or back, where it can deliver insulin directly into the fat just beneath your skin. The timing and amount of insulin administered by the pump will be determined and programmed by your physician.

In addition to no longer requiring daily insulin injections, the benefits of insulin pump therapy include the ability to customize and adjust insulin quantities as needed and more consistent delivery of insulin, which may reduce the risk of developing certain diabetic complications.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, is a group of common conditions characterized by excess fat, insulin resistance and high blood pressure. More than 40 percent of people over the age of 50 in the United States suffer from metabolic syndrome. This condition often occurs when excess fat is stored around the abdomen and can increase the risk or heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Pre-Diabetes

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but you can often prevent or delay the onset of the condition by losing weight.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself. In this case, the body attacks the insulin-producing cells and requires people to take daily insulin injections in order to remain healthy.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is affected by age, obesity and family history. Although the pancreas usually produces enough insulin, the body cannot use it effectively and production slowly decreases.