Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are above normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into sugar for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ by the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes either your body doesn’t make enough insulin or has trouble using its own insulin.
Here are some things we know about diabetes:
- There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 - Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have this kind
- Type 2 - The most common type
- Gestational diabetes – Only pregnant women can get this kind of diabetes
- Almost everyone in the United States knows someone who has diabetes
- AI/AN have the highest rate of type 2 diabetes in the United States
- It is becoming more common in our youth
- Healthy eating and physical activity can help you not get diabetes
- If you have diabetes, healthy eating and physical activity can help your diabetes
Some types of diabetes can be prevented, and all types can be managed.
Visit the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention Showcasing Success Stories for encouraging stories across Indian Country.
