Diabetes is a common condition which if untreated can result in serious long-term complications. It occurs when abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) are found in the blood. Around three in 100 adults have diabetes, many of whom have not been diagnosed.
The common symptoms of diabetes are frequent passing of urine, increased thirst, weakness and fatigue, weight loss, increased susceptibility to infections, and blurred vision.
The level of glucose in the blood is normally controlled by a special chemical messenger or hormone called insulin. Insulin helps the body's cells to absorb glucose and is normally produced in a digestive gland called the pancreas which is located in the upper abdomen next to the liver. Glucose is a major energy source for cells. If the body cannot produce enough insulin, or is unable to the insulin produced properly, the amount of glucose becomes higher in the blood.
Type 1 diabetes (also called insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when
the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs most commonly
in children and young adults, but can also develop later in life. As the body
does not produce insulin in this type of diabetes, the insulin must be replaced.
This can only be replaced by injection.
Type 2 diabetes (also called non-insulin dependent diabetes) is the
most common type of diabetes. The body is unable to use insulin properly and
the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to keep up with the body's needs.
Type 2 diabetes tends to occur in adults over 40 years of age who are often
overweight. There may be a family history of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes which is discovered during
pregnancy and usually disappears after the birth of the baby. These women are
more likely to develop diabetes later in life. Special care needs to be taken
during the pregnancy to monitor the baby's development.
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