According to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is a worldwide epidemic.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs after the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by the body's immune system. The person must replace the insulin that the body needs through injection (syringes) or infusion (insulin pump). Depending on the person, it might be necessary to test for islet cell antibodies to confirm type 1 diabetes. This is done through a blood test. Proper medical diagnosis is imperative.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is markedly different from type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin; however, the pancreas must produce more insulin because the body cannot use it efficiently. The body’s cells become resistant to the pancreas’ glucose lowering action. When the beta cells can no longer compensate for the inefficiency, type 2 diabetes occurs. Proper medical diagnosis is imperative.

Pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes is the stage before type 2 diabetes and it is also known as insulin resistance. The body produces more and more insulin to compensate for the insulin resistance. After time, the beta cells become overworked and can no longer compensate for the inefficiency, leading to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and finally type 2 diabetes. Proper medical diagnosis is imperative. In most cases, pre-diabetes is reversible.

The book contains expanded definitions on type 1, type 2 and pre-diabetes.