Diabetes Guide for you ...

(IPA: /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/ or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtəs/, /məˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlətəs/), often referred to simply as diabetes (Greek: διαβήτης - to pass through ), is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).^[2] Blood glucose levels are controlled by the hormone insulin made in the beta cells of the pancreas.^[3] The two most common forms of diabetes are due to either a diminished production of insulin (in type 1), or diminished response by the body to insulin (in type 2 and gestational).^[4] Both lead to hyperglycemia, which largely causes the acute signs of diabetes: excessive urine production, resulting compensatory thirst and increased fluid intake, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, lethargy, and changes in energy metabolism.

All types of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921, but there is no widely available cure for any form of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can only be treated with injected insulin, with dietary and other lifestyle adjustments commonly being part of the treatment. Type 2 is usually managed with a combination of dietary treatment, tablets and, frequently, insulin supplementation. Insulin can also be delivered continuously by a specialized pump which provides subcutaneous insulin through a temporary catheter.

Diabetes and its treatments can cause many complications. Acute complications (hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma) may occur if the disease is not adequately controlled. Serious long-term complications (i.e. chronic side effects) include cardiovascular disease (doubled risk), chronic renal failure, retinal damage (which can lead to blindness), nerve damage (of several kinds), and microvascular damage, which may cause impotence and poor wound healing. Poor healing of wounds, particularly of the feet, can lead to gangrene, and possibly to amputation. Adequate treatment of diabetes, as well as increased emphasis on blood pressure control and lifestyle factors (such as not smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight), may improve the risk profile of most of the chronic complications. In the developed world, diabetes is the most significant cause of adult blindness in the non-elderly and the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in adults, and diabetic nephropathy is the main illness requiring renal dialysis in the United States.^[5]

Q What is Diabetes?

A Diabetes is a disease.

For our bodies to work properly we need to convert sugar into energy.

With diabetes, a hormone called insulin, which is essential for the conversions of the glucose (sugar) into energy, is no longer produced in sufficient amounts by the body or the insulin produced is not working properly.

Q Can you ‘catch’ diabetes?

A No.

Diabetes cannot be ‘caught’ from other people.

Eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes.

About 800,000 Australians have diabetes, however approximately 400,000 of these don’t know it. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Diabetes can still cause damage to the body even in people who don’t realise they’ve got it.

Early detection and treatment may prevent problems.

Q At what age do you get diabetes?

A Anyone can get diabetes at any age.

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes, which usually affects young people and requires daily injections of insulin; and
  
• Type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes, which usually affects people over 45 years, is treated by healthy eating and regular exercise. Tablets and insulin injections are sometimes necessary. This second type is the more common form of diabetes.

Q What types of people get diabetes?

A Anyone may develop diabetes.

Take the Tick Test to find out if you are at risk of diabetes.

Q How can I tell if I have diabetes?

A The symptoms of diabetes include:

• Feeling tired
• Passing urine frequently
• Feeling constantly thirsty
• Blurred vision
• Itching of the skin or genital area
• Slow healing infections
• Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet

Sometimes these problems come quickly, other times slowly. If any of these problems are bothering you, see your doctor who will test you for diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes often feel unwell for long periods without knowing why.

Q Can diabetes be cured?

A As yet there is no cure. However, excellent treatment is available.

Diabetes can’t be cured; however it can be managed through lifestyle, tablets or insulin along with help and advice from your doctor and other health professionals.