What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious, lifelong health condition in which your body cannot properly use and store the sugar (fuel energy) you get from the foods you eat. Your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or your body cannot properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

There are two main types of diabetes - Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body produces little or no insulin.

It is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. Sufferers must inject insulin to live. Insulin is not a cure. It is a life-saving substance that controls their blood glucose levels.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal. The body either makes too little insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it makes to convert blood glucose to energy. Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with a combination of healthy eating, regular daily activity and weight loss and may require oral medications and/or insulin injections.

Are You At Risk?

There are well-known risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Some of these are:

• Age 40 or older
• A family history of diabetes - a parent or sibling
• Ethnic Background: Aboriginal, African, Asian, Hispanic or South Asian
• Overweight
• Obese (Abdominal)
• High Blood Pressure
• Vascular Disease
• History of Gestational Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Schizophrenia
• Giving birth to a large baby - more than 9 pounds
• A sedentary lifestyle - getting little or no exercise
• Having diagnosed prediabetes

Diabetes Warning Signs:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Rapid weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Unusual tiredness
• Slow healing of cuts
• Tingling in limbs

If you suspect that you may have diabetes or experience any of these symptoms make an appointment to see your doctor.