Working with your doctor, we are committed to helping you manage your diabetes.  The following information provides some basic information about diabetes as well as links to helpful resources.  Make sure and subscribe to our Quarterly e-Newsletter called Shoppe Talk™ designed exclusively for Diabetes Patients and Caregivers.  You can also purchase Diabetes Supplies and material directly from the Diabetes Catalog of our Online Store.

Types of Diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes. This form often affects children, but adults can develop it, too. In this form of diabetes, the body can't make insulin. The immune system by mistake attacks the cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin. As these cells die, blood sugar levels rise. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots.
   
• Type 2 diabetes. This Web site focuses on type 2 diabetes, which is rising fast in the US. It accounts for most diabetes cases. Typically, with type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but its cells can't use it. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, high levels of sugar build up in the bloodstream. Being overweight and inactive increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
   
• Gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs in some pregnant women. It can cause problems during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Women who get gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Are You at Risk?

There are 20.8 million Americans with diabetes - and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) don't know it! Take this test to see if you are at risk for having diabetes. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you are a member of one of these ethnic groups, you need to pay special attention to this test.