Diabetes
Blood glucose levels are controlled by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas.
People with diabetes either cannot produce insulin or the body cannot use it properly so blood
glucose levels become uncontrolled. Untreated diabetics experience excess thirst, frequent
urination, extreme tiredness and weight loss. Long term, more serious complications can affect the
kidneys, blood circulation and eyesight.
Type 1 diabetes
This is known as childhood or juvenile onset because it usually first appears during childhood
although it can appear in people up to the age of about 40. It is believed that it is either genetic or
develops following an infection during which the insulin producing cells are damaged and stop
producing insulin. Because of this, injections of insulin are needed before each meal. About 15 per
cent of people with diabetes have this type.
Type 2 diabetes
This is also known as adult or mature onset diabetes, although children as young as 9 have been
diagnosed. Either a reduced amount of insulin is produced by the pancreas or the body cannot use
the insulin that is produced. It is non- insulin dependent and usually treated by diet, exercise and
tablets, although as it develops over years, some people might need to use insulin as well. It occurs
more often in overweight or obese people and is more common in people of Asian or Afro-
Caribbean origin. It can run in families. Diabetics are advised to regulate the amount of fat and sugar
in their diet and take regular exercise. Some Type 2 diabetics can control their condition by diet
alone.
Blood glucose levels are controlled by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas.
People with diabetes either cannot produce insulin or the body cannot use it properly so blood
glucose levels become uncontrolled. Untreated diabetics experience excess thirst, frequent
urination, extreme tiredness and weight loss. Long term, more serious complications can affect the
kidneys, blood circulation and eyesight.
Type 1 diabetes
This is known as childhood or juvenile onset because it usually first appears during childhood
although it can appear in people up to the age of about 40. It is believed that it is either genetic or
develops following an infection during which the insulin producing cells are damaged and stop
producing insulin. Because of this, injections of insulin are needed before each meal. About 15 per
cent of people with diabetes have this type.
Type 2 diabetes
This is also known as adult or mature onset diabetes, although children as young as 9 have been
diagnosed. Either a reduced amount of insulin is produced by the pancreas or the body cannot use
the insulin that is produced. It is non- insulin dependent and usually treated by diet, exercise and
tablets, although as it develops over years, some people might need to use insulin as well. It occurs
more often in overweight or obese people and is more common in people of Asian or Afro-
Caribbean origin. It can run in families. Diabetics are advised to regulate the amount of fat and sugar
in their diet and take regular exercise. Some Type 2 diabetics can control their condition by diet
alone.
