Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.
- Type 1 diabetes is thought to occur from an autoimmune reaction which stops your body from making insulin. Symptoms develop quickly and is most commonly diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5-10% of all those diagnosed with diabetes. It is currently unknown how to prevent type1 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugars at a normal level. This is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all those diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is not reversible and develops over many years. It is most often diagnosed in adults, however an increase in children, teens, and young adults is occurring.
- Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, and the risk of premature birth and its consequences. Although, the mother’s blood sugar may return to normal after delivery, her risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life increases. The baby is also more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugars are higher than normal, but not high enough for type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Individuals with prediabetes have a great opportunity to prevent type 2 diabetes and its consequences, making specific lifestyle changes.
Reporting
For information on how to report a disease click here. For any questions, please contact the appropriate health authority by phone or review the website for additional information.
Carson City, Douglas and Lyon Counties
Carson City Health & Human Services (CCHHS)
(775) 887-2190
Website
Clark County
Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
(702) 759-1300
Website
Washoe County
Washoe County Health District (WCHD)
(775) 328-2447
Website
All Other Counties
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)
(775) 400-0333
Website