An overview of diabetes
– what is diabetes?
– why is insulin so important?

How do I know I have diabetes?
– diabetes symptoms
– how is diabetes diagnosed?

What treatment will I need?

Prevention of diabetes

Managing diabetes
– Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
– Diabetes and Heart Disease
– Diabetes and Oral Health
– Diabetes and Eye Checks
– Diabetes and Footcare
– Sleep Apnoea

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that occurs when the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. If left untreated, the high blood glucose levels can cause serious health complications.

What is Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which plays a very important role in our bodies. After we eat, we begin to digest carbohydrates, breaking them down into glucose. The insulin released by the pancreas moves glucose into our cells, where it is used as fuel for energy.

There are three common types of diabetes:

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own pancreas. The body’s immune system mistakenly sees the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas as foreign, and destroys them. This attack is known as "autoimmune" disease. The body produces no insulin and this causes the glucose levels to rise in our blood, resulting in high sugars. As a result those with Type 1 Diabetes have to inject insulin into their body using ‘insulin.

Approximately 10% of the world’s population suffers with Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly in the body which means that the glucose builds up in the blood. Those that have Type 2 diabetes are usually on tablets such as Metformin / Glucophage that help to regulate glucose levels in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition as the pancreas cells decline with age, however, is reversible as it is more of a as a part of it is dependent on lifestyle and therefore can be prevented through lifestyle changes (healthy eating, exercise etc.).

Approximately 90% of those living with diabetes the world’s population suffers with Type 2 Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes occurs when high glucose levels develop in the blood during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. It occurs when your body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs in pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby during and after birth. But the risk of these problems happening can be reduced if it's detected and well managed.