Formerly Northland DHB Diabetes
SPECIALIST DIABETES SERVICE

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus)

Diabetes is a group of conditions that affects the way your body deals with sugar. The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas (an organ that lies near your stomach).

Patients with diabetes have too much sugar in their blood. 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.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your doctor. In most people, there are hardly any symptoms early in the disease. 

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the pancreas, causing it to gradually decrease its insulin production. It can occur at all ages, but most commonly presents in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes is managed through regular insulin injections. 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and is more likely to develop in those who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. Here, the pancreas still produces insulin but at a diminished rate that decreases further over time. The body is also resistant to insulin. Management of type 2 diabetes typically involves lifestyle changes (weight, dietary, exercise) and tablets. Most people will eventually require insulin injections despite following dietary and exercise recommendations. 

There is also diabetes that develops in pregnancy: Gestational Diabetes.

It is important to lower or ‘control’ blood sugar levels to prevent serious health complications. These could include:

• Eye problems, known as retinopathy. Regular retinal screening is important to monitor your eyes. 
• Kidney damage
• Foot issues, such as ulcers and painful feet
• Having heart attacks or strokes earlier than usual

There are effective treatments for many of these complications if they are discovered early.