What is diabetes?

The body gets energy by breaking down glucose obtained from certain foods and transforming it into fuel. People with diabetes cannot perform this function properly as their bodies do not produce enough insulin to convert the glucose to energy, or the insulin simply doesn't work properly.

Diabetes is on the rise, and new cases of the disease are presenting themselves every day.

Types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes

Occurs at a young age and there is very little that can be done be done to prevent it. The person produces no insulin at all so they must monitor their blood sugar levels daily and inject appropriate levels of insulin into the blood stream in addition to following a special diet.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is the most common form of diabetes and occurs where the body struggles to produce insulin and can be treated with pills or insulin to be taken regularly. Type 2 Diabetes usually occurs later on in life and is generally the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. However there are other factors that can contribute to Type 2 Diabetes that are genetically determined.

You are at a higher risk of diabetes if you have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Aged 45+
• Overweight
• African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander, or Indian
• Relations who have diabetes
• High Blood Pressure (above 140/90)
• Have low HDL (good cholesterol) Less than 40 for men, less than 50 for women
• High levels of blood fats
• Suffered from diabetes when pregnant (Gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a child over 9lbs
• Exercise less than 3 times a week
  

• The need to urinate more that usual
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive hunger
• Loss of weight for no reason
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Prone to yeast infections
• Bear in mind, there may be no signs at all!
  

The subject of diabetes is covered on Foothealthcare.com because of the issues related to foot care and managing diabetes. For in-depth Diabetes advice please visit: Diabetes UK's website >>