Diabetes

• Usually develops in children and young adults but can occur later in life.
• Makes up approximately 10% of the total diabetic population.
• Insulin is a hormone which regulates blood glucose levels. When we eat foods containing carbohydrates, our digestive system breaks down these into glucose, which causes our blood glucose levels to rise and a corresponding amount of insulin is released from the pancreas. Not all glucose is used immediately. Some is stored in the liver. Insulin is also needed to process glucose released from the liver.
• The most likely cause of type 1 diabetes is that the body’s own immune system destroys the cells (called beta cells) that release insulin from the pancreas. Injury or disease of the pancreas can also result in type 1 diabetes.
• It is an autoimmune disease. The immune system normally makes antibodies to attack bacteria and viruses which try to invade the body. When things go wrong the immune system makes antibodies to attack parts of its own body, in this case the antibodies attack insulin producing beta cells.
• When insulin is released it acts like a key, by opening cell walls to allow glucose through the cell walls. This is how cells get their fuel. If the correct amount of insulin is produced all the body cells (e.g. eyes, cardiovascular system, central nervous system) get the fuel they need to maintain good health.
• The main source of fuel for cells is carbohydrates that get broken down into glucose during digestion (e.g. bread, pasta, sweets).
• When type 1 diabetes occurs no insulin is produced and the blood glucose (sugar) level goes too high (greater than 7 mmol/126 mg/dl) and the body cannot function properly because it is getting no fuel for energy from food eaten. All cells are depleted of energy.
• It is a lifelong chronic disease, which requires constant monitoring and treatment with insulin injections or an insulin pump to control the blood glucose levels.
• It is not caused by lifestyle choices (poor diet, weight etc.). It cannot be prevented.
• It cannot be cured but can be managed well with a good understanding of the condition, monitoring and active management by the diabetic and good medical support.
• It is usually diagnosed quickly because the person becomes very ill but some cases are not diagnosed until unrepairable damage has occurred. It’s very important to get symptoms checked out as soon as you notice them.
• Early detection and good management will help to reduce the risk of complication, which include nerve damage, blindness, kidney failure, heart problems, amputation, stroke and early death.

• Thirst: Excess drinking, unable to quench thirst. Excess glucose builds up in the blood stream and the body responds by trying to flush out the sugar, which requires unusually high demands for water/other fluids. People often drink sugary drinks which in turn make the situation worse.
• Toilet: As the body tries to flush out the excess sugar in the blood stream frequent visits to the toilet occur, particularly at night. Symptoms can also include urinary type infections.
• Tiredness: Lack of energy, sleeping more than usual results from the body cells having no fuel to allow them to work properly. The body is also working extra hard to flush out the excess glucose in the blood stream, making it even more exhausted.
• Weight loss: Cells in the body are not getting fuel so they pull fuel from any area they can which results in rapid weight loss over a short period.
• Excessive hunger: The body recognises that cells aren’t getting fuel from food and tries to compensate by demanding more food, but this makes the situation worse. If more food is eaten it puts even more strain on the body to get rid of the excess glucose.
• Blurred vision: Due to excessive blood glucose levels, fluid levels in the eye may be reduced, causing blurred vision.
• Skin infections: Excessively dry skin with possible infections. Skin also suffers because of the lack of available fuel.

Of course a feeling of being unwell will result from the above symptoms. If you notice some or all of the above in yourself or your child it’s very important to get checked out by your Dr straight away and ask to be checked for diabetes. Delay can cause irreversible complications.

Diagnosis is made by a simple blood test for blood glucose levels.

Artisan note: while I have no medical qualification, as a type 1 diabetic with over 50 years’ experience, the advice given in this blog may help you with practical diabetes management. Please contact me by email if you have any queries that I may be able to help you with or to share your experience with me.

• Up to 10 years ago type 2 diabetes was usually only seen in adults over 40 years of age, but now  young adults and children are developing it too.
• Type 2 diabetes makes up approximately 90% of the total diabetic population.
• The body produces insulin but the insulin doesn’t work correctly or cells aren’t able to access the insulin. This is sometimes called insulin resistance. There are often no symptoms, so it can go undetected for years. Slowly over time this leads to high blood glucose levels. In a lot of cases is only identified when the person goes to the Doctor for another reason. As type 2 develops it may lead to less insulin being produced and this is called insulin deficiency.
• Insulin is a hormone which regulates blood glucose levels. When we eat foods containing carbohydrates, our digestive system breaks down these into glucose, which causes our blood glucose levels to rise and a corresponding amount of insulin is released from the pancreas.
• When insulin is released it acts like a key, by opening cell walls to allow glucose through the cell walls. This is how cells get their fuel. If the correct amount of insulin is produced all the body cells (e.g. eyes, cardiovascular system, central nervous system) get the fuel they need to maintain good health.
• The main source of fuel for cells is carbohydrates that get broken down into glucose during digestion (e.g. bread, pasta, sweets).
• When type 2 diabetes occurs insulin is produced but either in insufficient quantities or it doesn’t work properly. Blood glucose (sugar) level goes too high (greater than 7 mmol/126 mg/dl) and eventually complications develop if it has not been detected and treated.
• Because some insulin is produced type 2 diabetes often doesn’t have symptoms and can remain undetected until a person goes to the Doctor with another complaint and the diagnosis is made as part of a general check-up.
• Treatment may consist of diet alone, diet and tablets and in some cases diet and insulin. Food choices are very important to keep blood glucose levels in control. I hope this blog will help you to make the choices that will keep you healthy.
• Even though insulin production may only be slightly compromised irreversible complications can occur before it is diagnosed, so it’s very important to get it checked out if you think you might be at risk. If you haven’t had your blood sugar level checked recently, ask your Doctor to do it.
• Early detection and good management will help to reduce the risk of complications, which include nerve damage, blindness, kidney failure, heart problems, stroke, amputation and early death.