Diabetes

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of food and drinks containing carbohydrates and is also produced by the liver. Carbohydrate comes from many different sources including starchy foods such as bread, potatoes, fruit, dairy products, sugar and other sweet foods.

Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas and helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel for energy so we can work, play and generally live our lives. Diabetes occurs where the body is unable to make insulin at all or is unable to make enough insulin.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40 and is the least common of the two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can not be prevented.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can make some insulin but not enough or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly. In most cases this type of diabetes is linked with being overweight. This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40 although can appear as young as 25.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?

• Increased thirst
• Needing to urinate often, especially at night
• Extreme tiredness
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
• Slow healing of wounds

In type 1 diabetes the symptoms will usually be very obvious, developing quickly, usually over a few weeks. In type 2 diabetes the symptoms will be less obvious or possibly even non-exsistent. In both types of diabetes, the symptoms are quickly relieved once the diabetes is treated.

HOW IS DIABETES TREATED?

Type 1 diabetes is treated by insulin injections and a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended. Insulin cannot be taken by mouth because it is destroyed by the digestive juices in the stomach. People with this type of diabetes commonly take either two or four injections of insulin each day. If you have type 1 diabetes, your insulin injections are vital to keep you alive and you must have them every day.

Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, weight loss and increased physical activity. Tablets and/or insulin may also be required to achieve normal blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is progressive. If your diabetes cannot be controlled through lifestyle changes and tablets your doctor may recommend that you take insulin injections.

The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels as near to normal as possible. This, together with a healthy lifestyle, will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries.

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