Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. The two most common types are Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition, and Type 2 diabetes, often linked to lifestyle factors and genetics.

Types of Diabetes  

Type 1 (formerly Juvenile - Onset)

• Makes up 5% of diagnosed cases
• Immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells
• Can be an automatic response by immune system to a virus, passed down from parents, or environmental

Type 2 (formerly Non-Insulin Dependent)

• Makes up 90-95% of all diagnosed cases
• Is a result of insulin resistance due to the impaired pancreas efficiency

Gestational (Occurring During Pregnancy)

• 2-10% of all pregnancies present symptoms
• 5-10% chance to have Type 2 immediately after
• 35-60% chance of developing in the next 10 years
• 5-10% of cases present in a major birth defect
• 15-20% result in spontaneous abortion or extremely large babies

Symptoms of Diabetes May Include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet (more common in Type 2)

Facts About Diabetes

• Over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, with approximately 37.3 million Americans affected, according to the CDC.
• Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases.
• Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and lower-limb amputations globally.

Who is at Risk for Diabetes?

Risk factors for diabetes may include:

• Genetics: A family history of diabetes increases your likelihood of developing the condition.
• Sex: Men and women are affected equally, but pregnancy-related diabetes (gestational diabetes) occurs only in women.
• Age: Type 2 diabetes is more common in individuals over 45, though it is increasingly diagnosed in younger people.
• Race or Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanic/Latino populations, Native Americans, and Asian Americans are at higher risk.
• Environment: Diet, physical activity levels, and exposure to certain medications or chemicals can influence risk.
• Other Risk Factors: Obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are strongly linked to Type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis & Management

Diabetes is diagnosed using blood tests, such as the fasting blood sugar test, A1C test, or oral glucose tolerance test. Routine screening is recommended for those with risk factors, especially individuals over 45 or with prediabetes symptoms.

Treatment Options for Diabetes

Medical and Pharmaceutical Treatments

• Medications: Insulin therapy, oral medications, or injectable treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists may be prescribed.
• Monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential to manage the condition effectively.
• Advanced Therapies: New technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and artificial pancreas systems, are transforming care.

Lifestyle Interventions

• Dietary Changes: A balanced diet focusing on low-glycemic foods can help control blood sugar.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and overall health.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of complications.

Have You Been Diagnosed With Diabetes?

At Clinical Investigation Specialists, Inc. (CIS Research), we are dedicated to advancing diabetes care through innovative clinical research. You may be an eligible candidate for a clinical trial exploring new treatments for diabetes. For more information on currently enrolling studies, click here.

Resources

• American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Diabetes
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• Find A Study
• Learn More About Clinical Research