Diabetes Research

Diabetes refers to a group of conditions that affect the way the body metabolizes blood sugar or blood glucose. It has several types and may either be chronic or acute. Chronic diabetes (DM Type I, Type II and Diabetes Insipidus) is often irreversible and may require the patient to take medication for the condition their entire lives. Acute forms of the condition (Gestational Diabetes) are usually reversible. An emerging medical condition known as 'pre-diabetes', may also be reversible with the help of diet and exercise. Causes for diabetes can range from genetics to lifestyle choices.

Statistics

As of 2007, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) diabetes research estimated that 23.6 million or roughly 7.8% of the American population suffer from some form of this condition. It is also estimated that out of those 23.6 million only 17.9 million are diagnosed. Statistics also show that the number of people who suffer from the condition increase year after year. Studies have also shown children and young adults under the age of 19 are being diagnosed with the juvenile diabetes. 

Diabetes research has also shown that as of 2006 the condition is the 7^th leading cause of death in the US. It is, however, believed that this condition is underreported as being the underlying cause of a patient's death.

Diabetes research

One of the main goals in diabetes research is to find out new methods of treating the condition. Diabetes foundations are also fortifying their efforts in making sure that the general public is aware of the disease. This helps patients get diagnosed early and also help people modify their lifestyles in order to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Foundations help raise awareness by conducting information campaigns and by distributing diabetes articles on the internet or in magazines. 

Diabetic patients who want to help improve the way that the disease is treated can volunteer for diabetes research clinical trials. Foundations and pharmaceutical companies often advertise their need for diabetes research trial participants on the internet or on TV. Patients can also get the latest info on diabetes research from their health care providers.