Diabetes

Learn more about Diabetes and the various treatments and therapies available on the market today. The text below is the article "Understanding Diabetes" available from the respected site Diabetes UK.

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapatis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose.

Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas, that helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body. The main symptoms of untreated diabetes are increased thirst, going to the loo all the time – especially at night, extreme tiredness, weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, and blurred vision.

There are two main types of diabetes. These are:

- Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin dependent diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is treated by insulin injections and diet and regular exercise is recommended.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40, though in South Asian and African-Caribbean people often appears after the age of 25. It is treated by diet and exercise alone or by diet, exercise and tablets or by diet, exercise and insulin injections. .

The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose and blood pressure levels as near to normal as possible. This, together with a healthy lifestyle, will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries.

Men's Health Matters exclusive articles on Diabetes

Urine Ketone Testing - Urine ketone testing is advised for insulin treated patients. When a diabetic does not have enough insulin, the amount of glucose increases in the blood (hyperglycaemia)...

Nutrition and weight management in type 2 Diabetes - A healthy diet that has been recommended time and time again is the "Mediterranean Diet." Not only is it higher in omega-3 oils, but also it has been suggested to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease...

Hypoglycaemia - Hypoglycaemia is a serious side effect that is experienced by some insulin-dependent diabetics. Hypoglycaemia means that there is low sugar in the blood...

Blood Glucose Testing - Blood glucose testing is especially useful for Diabetics to see how well their glucose is being controlled...

Diabetes and Cholesterol - There are certain types of cholesterol that are good and bad. Cholesterol is a fat like substance and is useful in the body as it is an essential component of cells membranes, and is needed...

Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction - Diabetes is a disease marked by raised levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It can be caused by a lack of insulin...

What you can do to prevent or reduce the effects of your Diabetes on your Erectile Dysfunction - Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves of the penis or those surrounding it...

The Diabetes Directory

Can't find what you are looking for?
Use our site search facility...

Home I Search Site I Site map I Conditions I Symptoms I News Archive I Forum I Contact us I About us I Access Keys

All information published on this web site is for information purposes only. The content of this web site should not be used for a conclusive diagnosis or for choosing a treatment. The content on this site has been provided as a guideline and general information it is not intended to replace professional medical care. In all serious cases it is advisable to recieve attention from a qualified medical practitioner.