What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the body cannot use the glucose, (sugar), properly so the level rises in the blood. We need glucose for energy. Glucose comes from foods such as bread, potatoes, chapatis, yams, plantain and is also made, by the body, in the liver.
To help the body use the glucose for energy, you need insulin. It is vital for life. Insulin is usually made by the body, in the pancreas and helps the glucose enter the body cells.
In diabetes, the
blood glucose level rises, the body tries to lower it by passing the extra glucose out in the urine. This makes the person pass more urine, (water) which makes them thirsty so they drink more. One of the early signs of diabetes is when the person complains of feeling thirsty and needing to pass a lot of urine, (water). Because the body cannot use glucose for energy, it will start to use the fat stores in the body instead. This causes the person to lose weight. A person will often complain of:
feeling very thirsty and needing a lot to drink
passing a lot of urine, (water), even at night
feeling tired
losing weight
difficulty in seeing clearly
itching or skin rashes.
Type 1 diabetes (also called insulin dependent diabetes)
Type 1 diabetes happens when the body is not able to make any insulin. Most people who develop this type of diabetes, are less than 40 years old. It is more common in people from Asian, African-Caribbean and Chinese communities. It is treated by insulin injections, healthy diet and physical activity.
Type 2 diabetes, (also called non-insulin dependent diabetes)
Type 2 diabetes happens when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough for its needs, or the insulin it makes, does not work properly, (known as
insulin resistance). This is more common in people over 40 years of age, although recently there has been a significant increase in the number of teenagers and young adults developing Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people from Asian, African-Caribbean and Chinese communities. It is treated by healthy diet and physical activity alone, or with, tablets, healthy diet and physical activity. Some people with Type 2 diabetes need insulin by injection especially when they have had the diabetes for some years.
Myths & Facts about diabetes
Myth-Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact-No, being overweight makes you at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Myth-You cannot eat sugar if you have diabetes.
Fact-No, sugar can be part of your total diet. Speak to a dietitian about this.
Myth-You can catch diabetes. .
Fact-No, if a person in the family has diabetes, there is a greater risk of a family member to develop it.
Myth-You may only have mild diabetes.
Fact-No, you have diabetes or you do not.
Myth-You can be cured of diabetes.
Fact-No, it can be managed but there is no cure available. There are many treatments and the correct one will be decided for you.
Myth-People with diabetes must not exercise.
Fact-No, physical activity is important in helping to control blood glucose levels.
Myth-The diet for diabetes is very strict and you have to eat special foods.
Fact-No, you should eat the same healthy diet advised for everyone. Special diabetic foods are expensive and unnecessary.
Myth-There are herbs and other preparations, which can replace insulin or tablets.
Fact-No, some herbal remedies may help reduce the blood glucose level, but it will not cure it.
Myth-You cannot drive if you have diabetes.
Fact-There are certain vehicles, which you will not be allowed to drive. These include large buses and lorries. You must tell the driving licence office that you have diabetes.
Myth-You will not be able to get a job so easily.
Fact-There are some jobs from which you would be banned, eg airline pilot, driving a passenger bus. It should not stop you getting work.
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