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According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 23 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly one-quarter of them do not know that they have the disease. Many people think that diabetes is a condition that affects only older people, but in 2007, there were 1.6 million new cases of diabetes found in people 20 or older. Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease—in fact, two-thirds of people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. In Texas, diabetes affects 1.5 million people at a cost of $11.4 billion each year.

There are two major forms of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

Who can get diabetes?
Diabetes Management

Type 1 or juvenile diabetes. This type of diabetes accounts for 5% to 10% of all cases of diabetes. Although it may occur at any age, type 1 diabetes usually begins early in life — during childhood or the teenage years. Type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to the cells in the pancreas that manufacturer insulin. Because people with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin to control their blood sugar levels, they must take insulin to stay alive.
      
Type 2 diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in people older than 30, but it can occur in children and young adults. People with type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but it is either not enough or the body does not use it properly. Early control of blood sugar levels, however achieved, is important to reduce the risk of complications. Diet and exercise are cornerstones of treatment. If left untreated for too long though, it can lead to serious medical problems, including heart and blood vessel disease.

A form of type 2 diabetes called gestational diabetes affects about 4% of pregnant women and causes unusually high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This type of diabetes can pose a risk to the unborn baby and needs to be managed throughout pregnancy. Even though blood sugar levels usually return to normal after giving birth, some studies show that women who have had gestational diabetes have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Who can Get Diabetes?

Although anyone can get diabetes, studies show that there is a hereditary tendency for some individuals to develop the disease.  And since certain fats in the body interfere with insulin-glucose activity, anyone who is obese is at risk. Damage to the pancreas can also lead to diabetes. Because of their genetic makeup, people of American Indian, Alaskan Native, African American, and Hispanic descent are all at higher risk for diabetes. Also, more women are affected by diabetes—making up 60% of all people with diabetes. Although doctors still do not know why, diabetes runs a more severe course in women, putting them at greater risk than men for heart disease and blindness.

There are 57 million people in the United States between the ages of 40 and 75 estimated to have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be categorized as full diabetes. The American Diabetes Association now recommends that obese people over the age of 45 be screened for pre-diabetes. Obese people younger than 45 should be screened if they have other risk factors for diabetes. Most people with pre-diabetes usually develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Diabetes Management

When patients make healthy food choices and commit to regular medications and monitoring plus lifestyle changes, the benefits include lower blood sugar levels, weight loss and a reduced risk of future health problems. Effective diabetes management can also reduce medication expenses for both employees and employers. Pharmacists are in a unique position to coach and monitor diabetes patients to help them better manage the disease.

Specialized pharmacists in MTM programs work with employees and their physicians to form a unique relationship that enables the pharmacists to:

• Provide individualized counseling and medication information 
• Encourage proper nutrition, exercise, and weight control
  
• Teach correct techniques for monitoring blood glucose and emphasize the importance of regular monitoring to overall health and well being
  
• Provide a communication link between diabetes patients and their physicians
  

Patients agree to monthly meetings with the pharmacists, who sign up to participate in the program and undergo specialized training. These regular meetings are designed to:

• Ensure the patients take their medications
• Help patients stay on track in controlling their disease
  
• Create a personal relationship with an accessible and knowledgeable health care provider
  
• Identify other health conditions or problems that require medical attention  

Diabetes Links & Resources

Common Diabetes Q&As 

Diabetes Incidence By State

Texas Diabetes Council

MTM Resource Center

Hispanic Initiative

Pilgrim's Pride Project

Williamson County Project