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, 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.  Alabama has the 4th highest rate of diabetes in the nation.  The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing.  The health care costs of diabetes are extremely high.  The medical cost of treating diabetes and its complications in 2007 was estimated to be approximately $116 billion.  The indirect costs (disability, work loss, premature death) of diabetes were estimated to be $58 billion.

 

Types of Diabetes

Complications of Diabetes

Additional Information About Diabetes

 

Events

Upcoming Events

Past Events

 

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