Diabetes is a group of conditions which cause high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This is primarily because the pancreas (an organ at the back of the abdomen) is not producing any or enough insulin. In many instances, especially where people are overweight, there is also resistance to insulin’s action in many body cells, particularly in the liver and muscle.

Some indications that you may have diabetes include:

• change in your weight
• feeling thirsty
• excessive passing of urine
• blurred vision
• slow healing of sores
• tingling in hands and feet.

Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2. It is an autoimmune condition where the body recognises the pancreas as “foreign” and attacks it. The pancreas thus makes less and less insulin, sometimes none at all. This type can occur at all ages, but is found most commonly in children, adolescents and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes require regular insulin injections to maintain healthy blood sugar levels (insulin cannot be given in tablet form.)

 

Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90% or more of those with diabetes. In this case the pancreas is still producing insulin but the production is reduced and gets progressively less with time. The body is also resistant to the insulin to varying degrees; being overweight is almost always the cause of insulin resistance. Those with Type 2 diabetes usually require lifestyle (weight, dietary and exercise) changes, then often tablets. Most people will eventually require insulin injections – even if they are very good with the diet and exercise.

 

Both these types of diabetes can cause serious health problems if the blood sugars are not “controlled” i.e. kept as normal as possible.

Potential problems include:

The good news is that these problems can be largely avoided or delayed by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, having regular checks of the eyes, kidneys and feet, and checks for heart risk factors. There are effective treatments for many of these problems if detected early.

Understanding Diabetes:     

• Your Pancreas and Insulin   click here
• Animation: Diabetes and Your Body   click here
• Managing your Diabetes: site for children click here