An increasingly common condition, characterised by an abnormally high blood sugar level, diabetes mellitus is a condition whereby the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. It is responsible for regulating sugar in the body. When an increased level of sugar is identified in the bloodstream (after eating a meal), the pancreas secretes insulin which circulates and allows sugar (glucose) to enter our cells, lowering blood glucose levels.
- Type 1 diabetes. This is where your body cannot make the insulin hormone naturally
- Type 2 diabetes. Your body cannot make enough insulin or doesn’t utilise it well
Type 1 diabetes
This occurs when the body attacks the cells which make insulin in the pancreas, meaning the hormone cannot be made. As a consequence, when there is a higher level of glucose in the blood stream, it cannot be delivered to cells and keeps circulating. This means the blood glucose levels can increase to a dangerous level and it eventually gets removed as waste through the kidneys.
Common symptoms of type 1 diabetes
- Feeling very tired
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Extreme thirst
- Excessive urination, especially at night
- Recurring thrush
It is often genetic and so it is a condition which is hereditary. It can also be triggered by environmental factors such as viruses.
Common treatment for type 1 diabetes is prescribed insulin medication which is injected and blood sugar is frequently monitored. Additionally, carbohydrate, protein and fat intake is also monitored in conjunction.
Type 2 diabetes
The cells in the body can become resistant to insulin due to the excessive production and so they stop taking in sugar. Alternatively, due to the excessive intake of sugar, the panceas becomes unable to keep up with producing the amount of insulin required.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are slow to develop and are very mild so can go unnoticed easily
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Wounds take a while to heal
- Blurred vision
This is commonly acquired through being overweight, physical inactivity, age (the risk increases as you get older) and ethnicity (Asian, hispanic and black people are more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes.
Developing the risk of type 2 diabetes can be controlled through maintaining a healthy and balanced diet as well as managing stress levels and participating in frequent physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day.
