Learn all about the two types of diabetes

More than 19 million North Americans have diabetes mellitus, a serious metabolic disease that affects the body's ability to use insulin and derive energy from blood sugar (glucose). We'll examine both types of diabetes and how weight factors in.

• About 10 percent of diagnosed diabetes cases are type 1, also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, since the disease often develops in children.
• In this autoimmune disease, the body's mechanisms for protecting itself from foreign organisms are turned against its own tissue. Because diabetes often develops after an infection (such as chicken pox), researchers theorize that after destroying the invaders, the immune system keeps attacking, turning on body tissue when there are no other targets.
• The result is destruction of the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily and strictly control their diet and physical activity to maintain near-normal blood glucose levels.

• Affecting over 90 percent of diabetics is type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Also called adult-onset diabetes, this form typically occurs in older adults who are overweight. Unfortunately, because of the growing obesity problem in children, type 2 diabetes is starting to show up in this population as well.
• Although sufferers often have adequate or even high levels of insulin, their bodies can't utilize the hormone properly.
• The early symptoms of type 2 diabetes may not be noticeable, so it can go undetected until there's a serious complication, like a heart attack or stroke.
• It's estimated that almost 6 million North Americans have type 2 diabetes but don't know it. Although they might not experience any symptoms, the disease may be damaging their heart, blood ­vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs. While much of this damage is permanent, it can be prevented with early treatment.
• Adults over the age of 50 should have their blood sugar levels tested every two years at minimum, and more often if they're overweight or have a family history.
• For most people with type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise alone can provide effective treatment. However, some may need insulin injections or oral medications to improve the effect of their body's natural insulin.

• The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing as more people move into the high-risk age groups and become increasingly overweight.
• Though not every overweight person will get diabetes, 85 percent of type 2 diabetics weigh more than they should.
• Extra fat (especially abdominal fat found on an "apple-shaped" body) is associated with insulin resistance.
• Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics can battle the disease by adopting a healthier lifestyle and striving to reach their ideal weight.

A major clinical trial studied a large group of overweight people at high risk for diabetes. Researchers found that those who lost modest amounts of weight cut their diabetes risk by 58 percent, and people over the age of 60 cut their risk even more. Losing just five percent of your body weight is enough to make a difference.

For a disease that's relatively easy to prevent, diabetes is extremely common. Use this guide to learn more about the disease and let it inspire you to adopt a healthy active lifestyle that reduces your risk.