Useful Information

What is Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes results from the body not producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, individuals can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.

Type 2 diabetes results from your body not producing enough insulin or your body not using the insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes develops in adults and more recently has been found in children. You may have diabetes and not know it, as often there are no symptoms.

Scientists have identified several other diabetes subtypes beyond types 1 and 2. The most common of these is called latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). It accounts for 10% of people with diabetes, making it probably more widespread than type 1. LADA can be classified as a more slowly progressing variation of type 1 diabetes, yet it is often misdiagnosed as type 2. As of now, there is still a lot of uncertainty over how exactly to define LADA, how it develops, and how important it is for patients to know if they have it.

You may be at risk for diabetes Type 2 if you:

• Had diabetes during pregnancy or your baby weighed more than 9 pounds Your brother, sister, mother or father have diabetes
• Are overweight
• Have high blood pressure
• Have high cholesterol
• Get little to no physical activity
• Are over the age of 65
• Are African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander

The Diabetes Program believes in getting to the heart of what the community needs and teaching the community how to deal with diabetes in the real world. Our eight week education session is offered in English, Spanish, Farsi, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. Classes cover these topics:

• What is Diabetes? And Monitoring Blood Glucose
• Eating Healthier - Focus on Carbohydrates
• Eating Healthier - Focus on Heart Health, Fat, and Fiber
• Physical Activity
• Taking Medications
• Reducing Risks of Complications
• Coping with Stress and Emotions
• Behavior Change, Problem Solving, and Resources