Diabetes

Type 1 was previously call insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, the only cells in the body that make the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose. To survive, people with type 1 diabetes must have insulin delivered by injection or pump. This form of diabetes usually strikes children and young adults, although disease onset can occur at any age. In adults, type 1 diabetes accounts for nearly 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors for type 1 diabetes may be autoimmune, genetic, or environmental. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Several clinical trials for preventing type 1 diabetes are currently in progress or are being planned.

Type 2 was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. In adults, type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and its complications. Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, although still rare, is being diagnosed more frequently among American Indians, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Asians/Pacific Islanders.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

• Aged 45 years or older
• Lack of exercise
• Overweight
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy diet
• Become physically active
• Avoid tobacco
• Have blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol checked regularly

Gestational diabetes is a form of glucose tolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs more frequently among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians. It is also more common among obese women and women with a family history of diabetes. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes requires treatment to normalize maternal blood glucose levels to avoid complications in the infant. Immediately after pregnancy, 5-10% of women with gestational diabetes are found to have diabetes, usually type 2 diabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a 40-60% chance of developing diabetes within the next 5-10 years.

Through a grant with the Indiana Department of Health Division of Chronic Disease, the Wellness Council of Indiana is providing consultation services and support to Indiana organizations that seek guidance in learning about diabetes in the workplace. Consultations are designed for wellness program managers and will include:

• Diabetes prevention and self-management guidelines for the workplace
• Best practices and guidelines for diabetes prevention and management
• Discussion of a comprehensive benefits plan designed to support individuals with diabetes

The NACDD Employer Learning Collaborative (ELC) Employer Network is a unique opportunity for employers to work together as health innovators implementing diabetes prevention efforts and leading the way to improved workforce health across the country. The ELC Employer Network is open to all employers who are interested in pursuing employer coverage of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program.

National DPP for Employers