Diabetes
What is Diabetes? How do i know i am Diabetic? What are the symptoms? These and more questions answered below.
Diabetes is a condition in which the levels of glucose i.e. sugar in the blood is to high. This is because the body is unable to use it correctly. Glucose gives our bodies the energy we require and after eating, the level of sugar in the blood increases and the pancreas gives out a hormone called insulin. This regulates your sugar levels to prevent it becoming too high or too low. So if you have diabetes the body could either make too little insulin or resists its effects. The body could then use other sources of energy and the sugar in the blood builds up causing thirst and passing of water frequently.
There are 2 types of diabetes:
- Type 1
- Type 2
Type 1
This can affect people under 40 years old whose body cannot produce any insulin and is treated with insulin injections, regular exercise and healthy eating.
Type 2
This could affect anyone at any age and the majority of diabetics have type 2 as the symptoms develop slowly. This can be treated with a balanced diet and regular exercise, or with tablets and insulin injections.
Already Diabetic?
If you are diabetic then you may have already or are highly likely to develop serious complications such as:
- Kidney failure
- Leg ulcers
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Eye damage or even blindness
- Nerve damage
