Diabetes << Frequently Asked Questions << womenshealth.gov

Diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions

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Health Snapshot: Diabetes
Read our printable one-page summary (PDF file, 274 KB) of this fact sheet.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/Diabetes-FAQ-Snapshot-2009.pdf

•What is diabetes?
•What is pre-diabetes?
•What are the different types of diabetes?
•Who gets diabetes?
•What causes diabetes?
•Am I at risk for diabetes?
•Should I be tested for diabetes?
•What are the signs of diabetes?
•How can I take care of myself if I have diabetes?
•How can I take care of myself if I have gestational diabetes?
•Is there a cure for diabetes?
•Is there anything I can do to prevent diabetes?
•For more information

Maria, a 25-year-old with type 1 diabetes, wanted children. Maria's doctor told her that before she got pregnant, her blood glucose (sugar) should be close to normal and her kidneys, eyes, and blood pressure should be checked. Maria began to watch her diabetes very closely. She checked her blood glucose four times a day, ate healthy meals, and began to walk a lot.

Once Maria became pregnant, she spent a lot of time taking care of her diabetes. Her hard work paid off. Nine months later, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

Rose is 55-years-old and teaches at a junior high school on an American Indian reservation in New Mexico. Rose has had type 2 diabetes for almost 10 years. When she first found out she had diabetes, she weighed too much and didn't get much exercise. After talking it over with her doctor, Rose began an exercise program. She lost weight, and her blood glucose began to come down. She felt better too. Now Rose teaches an exercise class in her spare time.

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Diabetes << Frequently Asked Questions << womenshealth.gov