Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that permanently damages or destroys beta cells in the pancreas, this means the body is no longer able to produce/produce enough or adequate insulin needed to break down glucose/sugar within the body. The Pancreas is a large gland positioned behind the stomach.
Unfortunately diabetes is a lifelong condition, there is no cure and if left untreated could have potentially serious consequences. However diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle changes could reduce risk factors and enable the patient to go on to live a very 'normal' and happy life.
In total there are currently 2.9 million people in the UK who have been diagnosed with a form of diabetes, however it is estimated there could be as many as 850,000 undiagnosed cases. Within the last 30 years it is believed that there have been 3x the number of childhood diagnoses. It's increasingly worrying that there is a rising population of young people with type 2 diabetes, it is cause for concern that this is believed to be linked to the increase in obesity levels. However the increase in type 1 cases in children cannot be directed at obesity and type 1 cases make up the majority of diagnoses.
There are 2 main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes (Insulin dependent).
Type 2 diabetes (Non-insulin dependent).
Also there are other forms of diabetes such as:
Type 1.5 (LADA) - This is a slow progressive type of diabetes, often miss diagnosed as type 2 diabetes it is seen most commonly in people aged over 35. This type of diabetes is seen in people who appear healthy and of a good weight range and have low or no insulin resistance, however they do carry an antibody known as GAD65 which attacks beta cells. Beta cells are cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. It is thought that an estimated 15/20% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes could in fact have type 1.5 diabetes.
(Type 1.5 diabetes might also be referred to as Type 3, LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) or Slow Onset Diabetes.
Gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) - usually this type of diabetes will disappear after giving birth, there is also a slightly increased risk of you developing one of the more common types of diabetes later in life.
Secondary diabetes - This is caused as a result of you pancreas being inflamed or from using medications such as diuretics or steroids.
What is Blood Glucose?
Glucose is a form of sugar in the bloodstream, glucose is a basic ingredient in such foods as:
Cakes
Sweets
Chocolate
Fizzy drinks
Glucose is also converted in the body from carbohydrate enriched foods such as:
Potatoes
Pasta
Bread
The glucose is broken down in the digestive process, the glucose is then distributed by the insulin to body's energy cells to be used as fuel for expended energy, a diabetic’s body does not convert the glucose to the energy cells and it builds up in the blood stream.
* Diabetes is a very complicated and varied disease, if you have any concerns or questions about diabetes or any other health issues please consult your Doctor or GP.
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