Dealing with diabetes

Types of diabetes

There are two types of diabetes.

Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and young adults and is less common than Type 2. The body fails to produce sufficient insulin, and insulin treatment, such as injecting, is required along with dietary management. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas and its primary function is to help the body maintain a healthy level of glucose in the blood.

In Type 2 diabetes, insulin production is inadequate or the insulin does not work effectively due to insulin resistance. If you develop insulin resistance, your body tries to compensate by making more insulin, and eventually the cells that produce insulin become ineffective. Eventually, Type 2 diabetes may result.

Diabetes symptoms

Increased thirst
Going to the loo all the time - especially at night
Extreme tiredness
Unexplained weight loss
Regular episodes of thrush or urinary tract infections
Blurred vision

Rinsing lentils Diabetes sufferers are being encouraged to choose foods with a low Glycaemic Index (GI). GI has replaced the concept of 'simple' and 'complex' carbohydrates. The higher the GI, the more quickly sugar is released into the bloodstream, requiring a more rapid insulin response.