Diabetes

It is widely recognised that diabetes can be hereditary, so if a close family member has the condition, there is a chance it could be passed on; but what exactly is diabetes? It is a condition where the body, or to be more precise the pancreas, loses its ability to create insulin - the chemical necessary to regulate blood sugar levels - or the body fails to use the insulin that it has produced. As food is taken in, a substance called glucose enters through the bloodstream, and it is the insulin's role to make sure that this glucose is carried to different parts of the body, giving it the energy needed to survive. In diabetes the glucose can’t get into your blood cells, so it stays in the blood instead. This causes the blood glucose level to get too high, and it is this that causes the diabetes.

Diabetes is broken down into three categories: type 1, type 2, or gestational: Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly. It occurs when the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, usually leading to a total halt in insulin production. Insulin shots, or the use an insulin pump to keep the blood glucose within normal range then has to become a daily activity. This particular type most often occurs in children or young adults and is usually referred to as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes. The symptoms of this variety are: high levels of sugar in the blood; high levels of sugar in the urine; frequent urination; extreme hunger; extreme thirst; extreme weight loss; fatigue; moodiness; irritability; nausea and vomiting.

Type 2 diabetes, is where the pancreas produces some insulin, but the body in unable to use it properly. This leads to high levels of glucose in the blood. Many people with type 2 diabetes are often overweight, so their treatment usually includes weight loss. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes. Often, this form of diabetes develops slowly, and symptoms are milder: increased thirst; more frequent urination; edginess; fatigue; nausea; increased appetite accompanied by weight loss; repeated or hard-to-heal infections (for example, skin, gum, vaginal, or bladder) blurred vision; tingling or numbness in the hands or feet and dry, itchy skin.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when blood glucose levels rise above average. Most pregnant women are routinely tested for the condition. After delivery, blood glucose usually returns to normal, though women who have gestational diabetes are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes, if left uncontrolled can lead to high blood pressure and a larger than average baby!

Within this site you’ll find are more detailed look at pregnancy and diabetes, plus details of how to control the blood sugar levels and the condition in general. Also details of potential complications and a list of nutritional supplements to assist in the management of diabetes.