Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious health condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate glucose (sugar) in the blood. When diabetes is untreated serious health complications can arise.

Type 1

• Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and enter the bloodstream.
• Normally the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar
• People with Type 1 Diabetes are not able to produce insulin at all
• Like having a car without petrol, Type 1 Diabetics do not have all the parts to start the production of insulin.

Type 2

• Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and enter the bloodstream.
• Normally the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar
• People with Type 2 Diabetes may be good at producing insulin at first, but slowly become worse
• Like a mobile phone with no service, Type 2 Diabetics eventually lose the ability to signal when the body should produce insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes is classified into two different types. Type 1 diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body has stopped producing insulin. In Type 1 diabetes, the insulin has to be replaced either by daily injections or with an insult pump.

For Type 1 diabetics, the goal is to have the best possible glucose control for the individual’s lifestyle and daily activities. People with Type 1 Diabetes are more likely to develop symptoms very quickly and in a short period of time. Type 1 Diabetics may be diagnosed at a young age.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the pancreas is not producing enough insulin. The hormone insulin helps the body absorb glucose into the body’s cells and is important for bodily function. A person with Type 2 Diabetes cannot control their blood glucose because the insulin that is produced does not work correctly.

People with Type 2 Diabetes are more likely to develop symptoms over a long period of time. Although traditionally Type 2 Diabetes has been associated with individuals who are adults, young children can also have Type 2 diabetes or pre Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is usually associated with being overweight.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics are at risk for the following health conditions:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Nerve damage
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Kidney disease
• Food problems
• Skin and mouth infections
• Sexual dysfunction
• Miscarriage and still-birth

Diabetes is a very serious condition and requires patients to seek out professional treatment. Our dietician can help you balance food and drink intake against insulin doses so that your blood glucose is maintained as close as possible to the normal range. The goal is to have fewer episodes of high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia) blood glucose levels.

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes include:

• Taking Insulin
• Monitoring carbohydrate intake
• Frequent blood sugar monitoring
• Eating healthy foods
• Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes include:

• Healthy Eating
• Regular Exercise
• Potential diabetes medication or insulin therapy
• Blood sugar monitoring