What Is Diabetes?

As Lions Diabetes Awareness Month continues, we encourage Lions worldwide to educate their communities about diabetes and promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body produces little to no insulin, or if the body cannot effectively use insulin, a hormone that helps glucose get from the blood into the cells. A person with diabetes has high blood glucose, or blood sugar, which can lead to life threatening health complications.

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults, and means the body produces little or none of its own insulin. People with Type 1 Diabetes must take insulin every day.
• Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type, accounting for 90% or more of all diabetes worldwide. It usually occurs in adults and means the body does not make or use insulin well due to risk factors including obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, increasing age and family history.
• Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is any glucose intolerance that is developed or recognized during pregnancy. Women who have been diagnosed with GDM have a higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and their babies are also at a higher risk of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetes is increasing worldwide. Fortunately, you can prevent the development of Type 2 Diabetes through a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as moderate physical activity.

Visit our Diabetes Resource Center to learn more about diabetes and increase diabetes awareness in your community.