Facts about diabetes
DIABETES is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. This is because the pancreas does not produce any insulin, or not enough, to help glucose enter the body’s cells or the insulin does not work well.<br>
DIABETES is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. This is because the pancreas does not produce any insulin, or not enough, to help glucose enter the body’s cells or the insulin does not work well.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is when no insulin is produced because the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. There is nothing that you can do to prevent it. This type of diabetes is always treated with insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is when the body either does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin does not work
The risk factors
You should ask your doctor/health worker for a test for diabetes, if:
A close member of your family has diabetes (parent or brother or sister).
You are overweight
You have high blood pressure or you have had a heart attack or a stroke.
You are a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder and you are overweight.
You have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glycaemia.
If you are a woman and you have ever had gestational diabetes.
You have severe mental health problems.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes
Urine becomes more frequent
Unquenchable thirst
Losing weight without trying
Weakness and fatigue
Tingling and numbness in the feet
Blurred vision, skin that is dry or itchy, frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal
Prevention of diabetes
Get regular, active exercise
Eat health foods like fruits and vegetables to reduce sugar levels in the body
Keep the weight down
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is when no insulin is produced because the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. There is nothing that you can do to prevent it. This type of diabetes is always treated with insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is when the body either does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin does not work
The risk factors
You should ask your doctor/health worker for a test for diabetes, if:
A close member of your family has diabetes (parent or brother or sister).
You are overweight
You have high blood pressure or you have had a heart attack or a stroke.
You are a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder and you are overweight.
You have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glycaemia.
If you are a woman and you have ever had gestational diabetes.
You have severe mental health problems.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes
Urine becomes more frequent
Unquenchable thirst
Losing weight without trying
Weakness and fatigue
Tingling and numbness in the feet
Blurred vision, skin that is dry or itchy, frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal
Prevention of diabetes
Get regular, active exercise
Eat health foods like fruits and vegetables to reduce sugar levels in the body
Keep the weight down