Do you have diabetes?
Diabetes is on the increase, but it is an easily treatable condition.Our bodies are like a motorcar; they need fuel to provide us with energy. This energy comes from glucose, a type of sugar that is found in what we eat and drink. However the glucose cannot get from our blood stream into the body cells by itself. It needs the help of a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the Pancreas (a gland behind the stomach).
When we eat our blood glucose (sugar) levels rise, this triggers the Pancreas to produce insulin which in turn ‘unlocks’ the cells to let the glucose enter, giving us the energy we need and lowering the blood glucose.
Diabetes is when these blood glucose levels do not return to normal levels due to a lack of Insulin.
There are 2 main types of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes is when the Pancreas suddenly stops working altogether and is more often found in children and young adults. This type of Diabetes needs treating with Insulin.Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of Diabetes and is usually found in people with one or more of the following:
- Family History of Diabetes
- Excess weight (obesity)
- High-fat diets
- Lack of exercise
