What Is Diabetes ?
Diabetes Mellitus is present when there is too much glucose in
the blood. Insulin is a hormone that lowers glucose levels in the blood. Glucose (a form of sugar) is the main
source of fuel for our bodies.
It comes from foods containing carbohydrate. Diabetes Mellitus develops when the pancreas (the
organ responsible for producing insulin) is either unable to make insulin, or the insulin is unable to work
effectively. Without insulin doing its job, glucose builds up in the blood leading to high blood glucose levels
causing health problems.
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 This type of diabetes is sometimes called Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Mellitus or Juvenile Onset Diabetes. It usually occurs in people under 30 years, but can occur at any age. Type 1
diabetes affects approximately 15 per cent of people with diabetes.
In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin because the cells which make insulin have
been destroyed by the immune system. Therefore people with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections to control
their blood glucose levels.
Type 2 This type of diabetes is sometimes called Non-Insulin Dependent
Diabetes Mellitus or Mature Age Onset Diabetes. It usually occurs in people who are over the age of 50 years and
have a family history of diabetes; or are overweight, although there are some exceptions.
Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 85 per cent of people with diabetes. Being overweight
makes insulin less efficient at controlling blood glucose levels. This is often referred to as insulin
resistance.
Type 2 diabetes often responds to a healthy eating plan, appropriate exercise and weight
reduction; but sometimes tablets and then later, insulin may be required.
People most at risk of developing type 2 diabetes often have the following risk
factors:
- Are of Chinese, Indian or Pacific Islander heritage and over 35
- Have high blood pressure
- Have heart disease
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are overweight
- Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage and are over 35
- Are over 55 years of age
- Have had diabetes in pregnancy.
What are the key signs and symptoms of diabetes?
- Increased thirst
- Slow healing of cuts
- Frequent urination
- Itching, skin infections
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Blurred vision
- Constant hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
How is diabetes managed?
- Education - finding out as much as you need to know to take responsibility for your
health
- Healthy eating
- Regular physical activity
- Medication - tablets and/or insulin injections
- Regular health checks with various members of the diabetes team
- Maintaining a positive mental attitude
- Home monitoring of blood glucose levels
What are the aims of treatment? To keep blood glucose levels as close to
normal as possible (between 3.5-8 mmol/L). This will help prevent the short term effects of high and low blood
glucose levels and long term complications which can affect the eyes, kidneys and/or nerves.
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