Diabetes

What is diabetes ?

Diabetes is present when there is too much glucose in the blood. Glucose (a form of sugar) is the main source of fuel for our bodies. It comes from foods containing carbohydrate. Insulin is a hormone that lowers glucose levels in the blood.

Diabetes 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 I

This type of diabetes is sometimes called insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile onset diabetes. It usually occurs in people under 30 years but can occur at any age.

Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 15% of all 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 or mature age onset diabetes. It usually occurs in people who are over the age of 40 years and have a family history of diabetes or are overweight, although there are some exceptions. Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 85% 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:
• A family history of diabetes.
• Are over 45 years of age.
• Are overweight.
• Had a child over 9lbs or 4kgs at birth.

What are the key signs and symptoms of diabetes?

• Increased thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Feeling tired and lethargic.
• Constant hunger.
• Slow healing of cuts.
• Itching, skin infections.
• Blurred vision.
• 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 teams.
• 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 affects of high and low blood glucose levels
and the long term complications which can affect the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Refer to the Blood Glucose Monitoring fact sheet for further information.

Would you like to join Australia’s leading diabetes organization?
• Product discounts.. • Dietary services.
• Free magazines. • Support groups.
• Educational literature. • Children’s services.
For more information phone 1300 136 588;0]