Jewish Diabetes Association

When the body cannot make proper use of carbohydrates (sugars and starches).

There is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood because the body can’t take it out of the bloodstream to use it for energy.
If the blood glucose level isn’t controlled well, diabetes can increase the risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels, which in turn raises the risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Blindness
- Foot ulcers and gangrene
- Kidney damage
- Gastric problems

There are two major types of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2. Their differences are summarized below:

Type 1 Diabetes (IDDM) Insulin-Dependent Diabetes used to be-Juvenile-Onset Diabetes	Type 2 Diabetes (NIDDM) Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes used to be-Mature Onset Diabetes
10-15% of cases Beta cells within the Pancreas produce little or no insulin, due to an autoimmune system malfunction. Can be due to a virus or other environ-mental agent. Exact cause is still a mystery. Treated with insulin. Various delivery options are available plus: Regular meals with even carbohydrate distribution to match insulin dosage. Regular exercise and weight control are recommended.	85-90% of cases Insulin is produced but body cells resist its action and glucose cannot enter cells. This is strongly associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, inactivity and family history. With early detection can often times be treated with diet and exercise. Sometimes requires medication (pills, insulin and/or combination therapy). Alternative therapies in combination with medical therapy/diet & exercise, is being tried and proving very helpful under certain conditions and with many individuals
Some Warning Signals	Some Warning Signals
Frequent urination Continual thirst Rapid weight loss Unusual hunger Extreme weakness/fatigue Nausea, vomiting, irritability	Any Type I symptom Blurred vision Excessive itching Skin infections with slow healing Tingling/numbness in feet