an endocrine disorder associated with abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood

happens because pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced is ineffective

many body cells rely on insulin to attach to them in order to allow glucose to enter from blood so cells can be supplied with energy

if glucose remains in blood the body will metabolise fats and proteins for energy instead

high concentration of glucose in the blood can cause blindness / vision impairment, and kidney failure

often hereditary and develops mainly during childhood, adolescents and young adulthood

pancreas produces insulin
that cannot be used by body

develops mainly during late adulthood, especially among overweight adults

symptoms - tiredness, excessive thirst, and frequent urge to urinate

symptoms - paleness, blurred vision, and dizziness

controlled by oral medication or injectable insulin and diet and exercise, or diet and exercise alone

can be reversed when a person loses a significant amount of their body weight

maintain healthy weight by reducing intake of foods high in saturated fat (especially for type 2)

increase intake of high-fibre foods as they release glucose slowly and steadily

choose diabetic confectionary to avoid glucose levels spiking

choose low glycaemic index (GI) foods as they release glucose slowly and steadily eg: porridge

regular, balanced meals to
avoid hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia