Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
"Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both." (MediLexicon, 2014) The body produces glucose, a sugar found in the blood that is the main energy source for the body's cells. The amount of glucose in the body is regulated by a hormone known as insulin. When the body is unable to effectively produce insulin to control the amount of glucose in the body, this is a chronic disease known as diabetes.
"Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both." (MediLexicon, 2014) The body produces glucose, a sugar found in the blood that is the main energy source for the body's cells. The amount of glucose in the body is regulated by a hormone known as insulin. When the body is unable to effectively produce insulin to control the amount of glucose in the body, this is a chronic disease known as diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type one diabetes is a condition in which the body's immune system destroys the insulin producing cells in the Pancreas, which causes the body to be unable to covert Glucose into energy and the body burns it's own fats instead. If left untreated, the body can start to produce dangerous chemicals that can lead to a life threatening condition known as Ketoacidosis. (Australian Government, 2013) People, usually young people and children, with type 1 Diabetes have to take daily doses of insulin to prevent this from occurring. They must take from 2-4 injections of different types of insulin, using a insulin pen, syringe or pump. Approximately 10% of diabetes cases are type 1 diabetes, as type 2 diabetes is much more common. |
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is most commonly seen in people older than 50, however more younger children are being diagnosed currently. 90% of people who have Diabetes, have type 2 diabetes. It is the condition when the body is able to produce insulin but the body resists it. The pancreas responds to this by producing more insulin, however eventually the body cannot keep the Glucose levels balanced and this leads to higher blood glucose levels. (Diabetes WA, 2013) "Type 2 Diabetes is usually caused by high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats and the classic ‘apple shape’ body where there is extra weight around the waist." (Diabetes WA, 2013) With changes in your diet and exercise routine Type 2 Diabetes can be combated, however if you begin to need insulin tablets/injections this is just the progression of the condition. |
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is diagnosed when blood sugar levels are higher than normal during pregnancy. Approximately, 3-8% of women will develop gestational diabetes around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy. After the pregnancy, normal blood sugar levels should return, however there is an increased risk of the person now developing type 2 diabetes later in life. If the following applies to you, you may be at risk of developing gestational diabetes:
Gestational diabetes (GDM) is diagnosed when blood sugar levels are higher than normal during pregnancy. Approximately, 3-8% of women will develop gestational diabetes around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy. After the pregnancy, normal blood sugar levels should return, however there is an increased risk of the person now developing type 2 diabetes later in life. If the following applies to you, you may be at risk of developing gestational diabetes:
- Are over 30 years of age
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes - Are overweight
- Are from an indigenous Australian or Torres strait islander background
- Are from a Vietnamese, Chinese, middle eastern, Polynesian or Melanesian background
- Have had gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies. (Diabetes Australia, 2013)
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
• Going to the toilet more often, especially noticed at night • Dry mouth, feeling dehydrated • Being more thirsty than usual • Feeling tired, lethargic or irritable • Feeling hungry constantly • Slow healing of cuts/sores/ulcers • Itching, skin infections or rashes • Thrush or bladder infections • Blurred vision • Unexplained weight loss (type 1) • Weight changes • Mood swings • Headaches • Feeling dizzy • Pain or tingling in the legs and/or feet Many people with diabetes also have high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. (Australian Diabetes Council, 2014) |
How can Diabetes be treated/managed?
To manage diabetes, you must makes rue your insulin levels are balanced, if you are unsure of how to do this visit a doctor for some recommendations on how to do this. Make sure you are regularly using the insulin pen or syringe to inject insulin into your body. Also staying fit and healthy, by regularly exercising and eating healthy helps lower the severity of type 2 diabetes.
To manage diabetes, you must makes rue your insulin levels are balanced, if you are unsure of how to do this visit a doctor for some recommendations on how to do this. Make sure you are regularly using the insulin pen or syringe to inject insulin into your body. Also staying fit and healthy, by regularly exercising and eating healthy helps lower the severity of type 2 diabetes.