In diabetes, the blood sugar level is higher than normal. Insulin is a hormone that controls the flow of glucose (sugar) in and out of the cells of the body. There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes is seen in young people and is caused by a lack of insulin caused by damage to the pancreas gland. Damage to the pancreas can occur for many reasons, e.g. a viral infection. However, the damage is usually caused by the body’s own immune system. Cells that normally defend us from invading organisms destroy insulin-producing cells in people with this type of diabetes. This is called an auto-immune disease.
Type 2 diabetes is non insulin-dependent diabetes, which usually affects adults over 40 and those who are overweight. Recent studies have shown that teenagers and young adults are also developing type 2 diabetes. It is caused by either insufficient production of insulin in the pancreas or there is resistance to the action of insulin in the body's cells.
In Type 2 diabetes, high levels of insulin are found in the blood because the pancreas can still produce the hormone. Only the effect of the insulin is impaired. This is called insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas gland, which is located in the abdomen. It controls the use of glucose within the body. The blood sugar level will rise if the pancreas produces little or no insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or if the pancreas produces insulin, but it's inadequate for the body’s needs and its effectiveness is reduced (Type 2 diabetes).
It's thought Type 2 diabetes is related to factors associated with a Western lifestyle, since it's most common in people who are overweight and who don't get enough exercise. In diabetes when blood sugar levels rise, it is secreted into urine. This causes increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, weight loss, itchiness, especially around the genitals, and recurrent infections on the skin. People with Type 1 diabetes usually develop these symptoms within days or weeks. In Type 2 diabetes, these symptoms often don't show for years. Many are diagnosed by chance through routine medical check-ups.
Glucose levels are measured in blood samples. There are two types of tests, random or fasting glucose test. Random glucose test: glucose levels are taken at a random time on two occasions. Any figure above 11.1mmol/l is a diagnosis of diabetes. Fasting glucose test: the glucose level is measured after an overnight fast and on two different days. Above 7.0mmol/l is a diagnosis of diabetes.
Diabetes is treated in two ways, a combination of healthy diet and exercise and medication. Insulin injections increase the amount of insulin in your body and bring down the blood sugar level. Insulin injections are used in Type 1 diabetes and in some cases of Type 2.
These can be given once a day as a long-acting insulin, or as shorter-acting injections given more frequently through the day, and can be used in combination with tablet treatment if necessary. If you think you have diabetes contact your doctor.
