Diabetes currently affects 21 million American adults and children. However, only 15 million know they have the disease; the remaining 6 million are undiagnosed.

In addition, an estimated 40 million Americans have prediabetes--their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet in the range of diabetes. Research has shown that those who have prediabetes are at higher risk of numerous diseases, including heart and circulatory diseases. People with prediabetes have a 1.5 times greater risk of cardiovascular disease compared to people with normal blood glucose. They also carry a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Those who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost always have had prediabetes.

Sadly, children are not immune to prediabetes and the potential risk of Type 2 diabetes. A study published in the March 14, 2002, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine found 25 percent of very obese children and 21 percent of very obese adolescents had prediabetes.

The incidence of all forms of diabetes has been increasing significantly due in large part to the modern American diet and sedentary lifestyles.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin, and requires that patients inject insulin throughout the day to ensure that blood glucose levels remain within acceptable ranges. It is thought that Type 1 diabetes is the result of an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the pancreatic cells, impacting insulin production. Five to ten percent of diabetes cases are Type 1.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is insulin resistant (unable to efficiently process insulin), and has some degree of insulin deficiency. Most Americans are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common among African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the older population. Ninety to ninety-five percent of diabetes cases are Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant woman in the second half of their pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes typically disappears after pregnancy, 40% of these women will develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes can also lead to other complications during pregnancy, including delivery of large babies.

Can diabetes be prevented? The Diabetes Prevention Program study showed that people with prediabetes could reduce their chance of getting diabetes by 58% with simple lifestyle changes: daily exercise for 30 minutes and a reduction in body weight of 5-10%. In addition to these steps, nutritional support can also play a role. DiabetesHealth, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Starch Blocker Plus, in conjunction with these lifestyle changes, are a powerful trio to help you in your quest to better manage your glucose levels.

Additional Resources: American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) and the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov)