Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes

The numbers from the Center for Disease Control are alarming: 24 million Americans, or 8% of the entire population, suffer from diabetes. As the population ages and obesity becomes more of a national epidemic, the problem is expected to grow even worse.

Type 2 diabetes is responsible for 90% to 95% of diabetes cases. If left untreated, the disease can be life-threatening.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot use insulin effectively, a condition known as insulin resistance. When insulin is not able to do its job, an excess of sugar builds up in the blood. Over time, excess sugar can create problems with vision, heart health, blood vessels, nerves and kidney function. Roughly 90 to 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2. If left untreated, the disease can be life-threatening.

Symptoms include chronic fatigue, extreme thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision and slow healing of sores and wounds. Some people show no symptoms.

Who is at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can affect anyone, and usually develops in adults. With the obesity epidemic sweeping across the U.S., however, it is increasingly diagnosed in children and teenagers.

You are at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes if you are one of the following:

Overweight (body mass index of 25 or above)
Over 45 years of age
Have had gestational diabetes
Of African-American, Latino, Asian-American, or Native American descent
Have high blood pressure
Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

The American Diabetes Association estimates that one-third of Americans who have Type 2 diabetes don't even realize it. Because of this, it's crucial to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes and its risk factors.

Some of the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:

Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Feeling overly hungry or tired
Weight loss or gain
Slow-healing sores
Dry, itchy skin
Losing feeling in your feet, tingling feet
Blurry eyesight

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes usually develop more slowly over time. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a doctor.

Pre-Diabetes

Pre-diabetes affects people whose glucose levels are higher than normal but below diabetic levels. Many people with pre-diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years, and it increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, it's estimated that 26% of adults have pre-diabetes. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 40% of adults aged 45-74 had pre-diabetes in 2000.

Gestational Diabetes

Late in pregnancy, some women (as high as 8%) develop a condition known as gestational diabetes. Hormones created during a pregnancy or a shortage of insulin cause the condition. It usually subsides after the baby is born, but women who suffered from gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a 20 to 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within a decade. Some women with gestational diabetes do not experience any symptoms.

How is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?

Healthy eating, exercise and blood glucose testing are all staples of Type 2 diabetes treatment. In addition, many people with Type 2 diabetes require oral medication or insulin (or both) to maintain safe blood glucose levels. If you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes or have pre-diabetes, eating healthy and losing weight (even 10 or 20 pounds) can make a difference in preventing or delaying the disease.

When Treating Diabetes, Health Insurance is Critical

Unlike a flu or swollen wrist, most cases of diabetes won't just "go away" without treatment; it's a serious disease that, if left untreated, could become life-threatening. Those with diabetes should visit a doctor or physician to help manage their diabetes. Most people with diabetes receive care from primary care physicians, but utilizing a team of physicians and specialists can improve overall diabetes care.

A team may include:

A primary care provider, such as a family doctor or pediatrician
An endocrinologist (diabetes care specialist)
A certified diabetes educator, such as a dietician or nurse
Podiatrists (for foot care) and optometrists (for eye care)
If pregnant, an obstetrician for the mother and pediatrician or neonatologist for the baby

Without a proper health insurance policy, simple expenses like a doctor's visit or diabetes medication can prove extremely expensive. If you're referred to a specialist or need a team of doctors to help treat your diabetes, your out-of-pocket costs could be astronomical.

Diabetes is responsible for an estimated 36 million doctor visits each year. If you have diabetes, make sure your visit is covered by insurance by shopping for health insurance quotes at InsWeb.