Type 1 diabetes, which was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, may account for about 5% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, may account for about 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only pregnant women get. If not treated, it can cause problems for mothers and babies. Gestational diabetes develops in 2-10% of all pregnancies but usually disappears when a pregnancy is over. Other specific types of diabetes resulting from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses may account for 1-5% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
This information is reprinted from CDC’s website.

Type 1 diabetes, which used to be called juvenile diabetes, develops most often in young people; however, type 1 diabetes can also develop in adults. In type 1 diabetes, your body no longer makes insulin or enough insulin because the body’s immune system-which normally protects you from infection by getting rid of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances-has attacked and destroyed the cells that make insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, which used to be called adult-onset diabetes, can affect people at any age, even children. However, type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older people. Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance-a condition that occurs when fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin to carry glucose into the body’s cells to use for energy. As a result, the body needs more insulin to help glucose enter cells. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by making more insulin. Over time, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin when blood sugar levels increase, such as after meals. If your pancreas can no longer make enough insulin, you will need to treat your type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes can develop when a woman is pregnant. Pregnant women make hormones that can lead to insulin resistance. All women have insulin resistance late in their pregnancy. If the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin during pregnancy, a woman develops gestational diabetes.
This information is reprinted from NIDDK’s website.

Blood glucose is the main type of sugar found in your blood and your main source of energy. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is also made in your liver and muscles. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy. Diabetes is when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
This information is reprinted from NIDDK’s website.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When the body cannot make enough insulin, it is taken by injection or through use of an insulin pump.
This information is reprinted from ADA’s website.

The risk for developing type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians, some Asians, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes and its complications. Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, although uncommon, is being diagnosed more frequently among American Indians, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.
This information is reprinted from CDC’s website.

Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unintentional weight loss, extreme fatigue and irritability, and blurred vision. People should contact their healthcare providers if they experience any of these symptoms. Some people may have type 2 diabetes without any symptoms, so it’s important to get regular blood tests, especially if you are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
This information is reprinted from AACE’s website.

Diabetes is a complex and serious disease, and managing it every day can be challenging. To help you, diabetes educators have developed seven key areas to focus on. A diabetes educator can help you set priorities and coach you on each of these areas. The seven areas include: Healthy Eating, Being Active, Monitoring, Taking Medication, Problem Solving, Reducing Risks, and Healthy Coping.
This information is reprinted from AADE’s website.

View sources for statistics here.