What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that makes it hard for your body to turn the food you eat into energy. In diabetes, there is too much glucose (sugar) in your blood. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is the main source of energy for your body. Glucoses needs a hormone called insulin to enter your body's cells, where it can be used for energy. People with diabetes have problems making insulin or using it properly

Diabetes occurs when either not enough insulin is produced, or it loses its effect in the body. The levels of blood glucose rise as a result. This leads to potential heart and blood vessel damage, kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage.

Types of Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is much less common. It ocurrs in 5% to 10% of people with diabetes. It usually begins in childhood or teenage years and is often referred to as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, the pancreas can not may any insulin. People with Type 1 Diabetes need to take insulin injections every day.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is much more common than Type 1 Diabetes. 85%-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2. Type 2 Diabetes usually begins in adulthood and was often referred to as adult-onset Diabetes. Now, however, Type 2 Diabetes is being diagnosed in younger people.

In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancrease is no longer able to make enough insulin to meet your body's needs. The insulin that the pancreas does make is not used properly by the body.

Type 2 Diabetes often runs in families. It may also result from an unhealthy lifestyle, for example, not eating a healthy diet and not getting enough exercise and carrying too much body weight, especially around your waist.

Type 2 Diabetes can often be treated with diet, exercise and oral medicines. However, it can get worse, and insulin injections may eventually be needed.

The early diagnosis and successful management of Diabetes can help to prevent and delay complications. If you have any questions related to your own health please contact your local doctor or practice nurse.