Diabetes

Diabetes is described as an excess of glucose or sugar in the blood, caused by a shortage of the hormone insulin. The purpose of this hormone is to move glucose from the blood into the cells where it is converted to energy.

There are two main types of diabetes:

type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes usually appears before the age of 40 and is more common in children under 15.

Type 2, non insulin-dependent diabetes, is a condition more associated with middle age and usually appears in people over the age of 40. - Type 2 accounts for 95 per cent of diabetic cases in the UK  It occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or where it is unable to use the insulin properly.

Symptoms

 - increased thirst
  -going to the loo all the time – especially at night
  -extreme tiredness
  -weight loss
  -genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
  -blurred vision.

Those most at risk of type 2 diabetes

  - family history of diabetes
  - aged between 40 and 75
  - people who are overweight
  - Asian or Afro-Caribbean origin
  - eat too much, exercise too little or smoke
  -women who have had a large baby

Treatments

Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be treated very successfully.  Treatment concentrates on keeping blood glucose and blood pressure as normal as possible.

Treatment for Type 1

People with Type 1 diabetes need injections of insulin for the rest of their lives and also need to eat a healthy diet that contains the right balance of foods.

Treatment for Type 2

People with Type 2 diabetes need to eat a healthy diet that contains the right balance of foods. If this alone is not enough to keep your blood glucose levels normal, you may also need to take tablets.

People with diabetes have a higher chance of developing certain serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, circulation problems, nerve damage, and damage to the kidneys and eyes.

The risk is particularly high for people with diabetes who are also very overweight, who smoke or who are not physically active.

You will greatly reduce your risk of developing any of these complications
by controlling your blood glucose and blood pressure levels,
and by eating healthily and doing regular physical activity.

Some useful Diabetes websites are listed below

Diabetes Genes

Diabetes Monitor

Diabetes uk

International Diabetes Federation

NHS Direct - diabetes

Diabetes Explained

Diabetic Drugstore

Diabetes Control - diabetes diet and fitness training program online.