What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to automatically regulate blood glucose levels, resulting in too much glucose (a sugar) in the blood.
Glucose comes from foods that contain carbohydrate (starches and sugars); for example, breads and cereals, milk and dairy foods, fruits and some vegetables.
Glucose travels in the blood stream to the muscles and other organs where it is used as fuel. Excess glucose is detoured to the liver where it is stored for future use. Glucose is the body’s preferred source of energy and our bodies need it to work efficiently, just like a car needs petrol to run.
The blood glucose level is regulated with the help of insulin, a hormone (or chemical messenger) made in the pancreas. Insulin is the key that glucose needs to enter the body’s cells so that it can be used as fuel.
Diabetes develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin or when the body does not respond properly to insulin
Insulin injections are necessary to treat Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can usually be controlled in the first instance by regular exercise and diet. Tablets and eventually insulin injections may be needed as the disease progresses.
The normal blood glucose level ranges between 3.5-7.8 mmol/l.
Over time, high blood glucose levels may damage blood vessels and nerves. These complications of diabetes can cause damage to eyes, nerves and kidneys and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, impotence and foot problems.
In Australia, one adult in twelve has diabetes and the prevalence is increasing.
Research has shown that for every person with known diabetes, there is another who has it but has not yet been diagnosed.
There are 3 main types of Diabetes:
Type I (previously known as juvenile onset diabetes),
Type II (previously known as mature onset diabetes) and