Diabetes is most common in adults over 45 years of age, but it is becoming increasingly common in people of all ages. People most at risk of diabetes are people who are overweight and/or physically inactive; and in people of African, Hispanic, and Native American descent. The highest rate of diabetes in the world occurs in Native Americans. More women than men have been diagnosed with diabetes.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes, which usually starts in childhood, where the pancreas stops making insulin altogether. Type 1 diabetes is also called insulin-dependent diabetes. In type 2 diabetes the body still makes some insulin, but it doesn’t make enough insulin, or the body is unable to use it properly. Type 2 is often called “adult onset” diabetes because it typically starts in adulthood. However, Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in children.

Diabetes is easily detected by a simple blood test. This is done by measuring the amount of glucose in the blood after a person has fasted (abstained from food) for about eight hours. In some cases, doctors use a “glucose tolerance test” to diagnose diabetes. This is done by measuring blood glucose levels before and after a measured amount of sugar has been ingested.

Once diabetes is diagnosed, treatment consists of controlling the amount of glucose in the blood and preventing complications. Depending on the type of diabetes, this can be accomplished through regular physical exercise, a carefully controlled diet, oral medication, or insulin injections.

People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to provide the body with the insulin it cannot produce. The amount of insulin needed varies from person to person and may be influenced by factors such as a person’s level of physical activity, diet, and the presence of other health disorders. Typically, Type 1 diabetes sufferers use a meter several times a day to measure the level of glucose in a drop of their blood obtained by pricking a fingertip. They can then adjust the amount of insulin injected, physical exercise, or food intake to maintain the blood sugar at a normal level. People with Type 1 diabetes must control their diets carefully by distributing meals and snacks throughout the day so as to avoid fluctuations in their blood glucose levels. Persons with Type 1 diabetes also need to eat foods that contain complex sugars, which break down slowly and cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

For persons with Type 2 diabetes, treatment begins with diet control, exercise, and weight reduction. Over time this form of diabetes management may not be adequate, and the diabetic person might need to take medication. People with Type 2 diabetes typically work with nutritionists to formulate a diet plan that regulates blood sugar levels so that they do not rise too swiftly after a meal. A recommended meal is usually low in fat (30 percent or less of total calories), provides moderate protein (10 to 20 percent of total calories), and contains a variety of carbohydrates, such as beans, vegetables, and grains. Regular exercise helps body cells absorb glucose—even ten minutes of exercise a day can be effective. Diet control and exercise may also play a role in weight reduction, which appears to partially reverse the body’s inability to use insulin