DIABETES
TYPES
type 1 diabetes (10%) – where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
type 2 diabetes (90%) – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin
SYMPTOMS
feeling very thirsty
peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
feeling very tired
weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
cuts or wounds that heal slowly
blurred vision
CAUSES
The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach).
When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it's broken down to produce energy.
However, if you have diabetes, your body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because there's either not enough insulin to move the glucose, or the insulin produced does not work properly.
There are no lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of type 1 diabetes.
You can help manage type 2 diabetes through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight.
a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high
LIVING WITH DIABETES
eat healthily
take regular exercise
carry out regular blood tests to ensure your blood glucose levels stay balanced
People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes also require regular insulin injections for the rest of their life.
As type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, medicine may eventually be required, usually in the form of tablets.
have your eyes screened once a year