Diabetes Information
UAB Biomedical Research Building
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of disorders in which blood sugar levels are above normal due to defects in insulin production from pancreatic beta cells, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to severe complications and even death if improperly controlled. Complications include heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation of lower limbs. Approximately 23.6 million Americans (7.8% of the population) have been diagnosed with diabetes and the prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing. In fact, a 2010 report in Population Health Metrics predicts that the diabetes prevalence will triple and that up to one in three Americans will have diabetes by 2050. Of note, Alabama has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation.
Aside from the human suffering, the health care costs of diabetes are also extremely high. The yearly medical costs of treating diabetes and its complications are estimated to be approximately $116 billion. The yearly indirect costs (disability, work loss, premature death) of diabetes are estimated to be $58 billion.
Types of Diabetes
Complications of Diabetes
Additional Information About Diabetes
Links to Community Resources
UAB Health System - Health Library
UAB EatRight
BodyLove Radio Show / Media For Health
Alabama Obesity Task Force
Southeastern Diabetes Education Services (Diabetes Camps)
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
American Diabetes Association
Diabetes Clinics
Pediatric Endocrinology
Adult Endocrinology
Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Diabetes Clinic
