Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes blood glucose levels to be raised.
In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This usually happens in younger people, but it can happen at any age. When this happens, the pancreas no longer produces insulin.
The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are all based on the fact that there is high blood sugar. The symptoms include:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Lethargy, fatigue and drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Sudden weight loss
- Increased appetite, hunger
When the blood sugar is stabilised by treatment, these symptoms go away.
No! Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where certain cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the body.
Unfortunately, at this point, Type 1 diabetes is not curable. With good management and support from your healthcare team, it can be controlled and people with Type 1 diabetes can live normal and healthy lives.
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder of a person’s metabolism, and its primary characteristic is high blood glucose.
There are two main reasons for the high blood glucose:
- Insulin resistance
- Lack of insulin
The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are all based on the fact that there is high blood sugar. The symptoms include:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Lethargy, fatigue and drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Sudden weight loss
- Increased appetite, hunger
When the blood sugar is stabilised by treatment, these symptoms go away.
The primary treatment of Type 2 diabetes is to lose weight and to maintain a level of physical activity.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Of all people with diabetes, 90% have Type 2 diabetes.
In our bodies, an organ known as the pancreas produces insulin, which is a very important hormone. Insulin is vital because it enables the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. We need insulin to survive.