What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot produce the insulin or enough of it, insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas which enabled glucose to enter the cells of the body where it can be used as fuel energy.  

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes (formerly juvenile onset diabetes) and type 2 diabetes (formerly adult onset diabetes), these names have been changed because recently children as young as seven years old have been found to have type 2 diabetes.

With type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all because of damage to the pancreas which is generally attributed to an over-active immune system attacking it when fighting off a virus or other infection.  Type 1 diabetes accounts for only 5-15% of diabetics and cannot be prevented.

With type 2 diabetes the body can still make some insulin, but it is either not enough or does not work properly, this is generally attributed to being overweight. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85-95% of diabetics and is usually linked with being overweight.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of diabetes are being very thirsty, frequently needing to wee (especially at night), weight loss, blurred vision, extreme tiredness, itchy genitals or frequent episodes of thrush and slow healing of wounds.

These symptoms develop quickly and are usually very obvious in type 1 diabetes but may be very subtle or even non-existent in type 2 diabetes.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes yet but it can be treated very successfully. Type 1 diabetes is treated by insulin injections and a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthier diet, weight loss and increased physical activity but in some cases tablets or insulin may also be needed.

You can find out more from Diabetes UK