Diabetes is a disease marked by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. There is no cure, but symptoms can be controlled.

 

On this page: Glucose is fuel for the body · Insulin · High glucose in diabetics · Type 1 and 2 diabetes · Risk factors for Type 2 · Symptoms of high blood glucose · Treatment

 

Glucose is fuel for the body

When we eat any carbohydrate foods such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit or ‘treats', they break down into glucose in the bloodstream. Glucose is our main fuel – a vital source of energy.

 

Insulin: controlling glucose levels

Glucose levels in the blood are normally controlled by insulin. This is a hormone, produced in the pancreas, that converts glucose into energy. Insulin works like a bridge, allowing glucose to move from the circulation into our muscles and fat.

 

High glucose levels in diabetics

When a person has diabetes, the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin, or it doesn't respond to it. Glucose builds up in the blood, rather than moving to muscles and fat. Our arteries and nerves absorb glucose directly from the bloodstream, and can be damaged if glucose levels are high over a period of time.

 

 

At risk of diabetes Many Australians have pre-diabetes – a condition that includes high levels of glucose in the blood. More than half these people will develop diabetes if they do not take steps to improve their health by losing weight, eating healthily, and having regular medical checks.   Overweight children need to lose weight or they will be at risk of developing diabetes as young adults, or even earlier.

 

 

Diabetes is usually divided into two types:

 

Type 1 diabetes

People with Type 1 must have insulin to survive. The disease can occur at any age, but usually affects people under 40.

 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise, or with medication and/or insulin. This type

 

• is caused by either inadequate levels of insulin or insulin that doesn't work effectively in the body
• is most common after the age of 40, although onset can be earlier
• often, but not always, occurs with obesity, particularly if weight is around the abdomen or upper body
• occurs in families, but no specific genes have been found
• makes up 85–90% of all diabetes in developed countries.

 

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Risk factors for Type 2

These include:

 

• family history
• age (over 55 years)
• borderline high blood sugar
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• being overweight
• cultural heritage (being of Chinese, Indian, Aboriginal, Pacific or Torres Strait Island descent and over 35 years)

 

Symptoms of high blood glucose

Glucose is the body's main source of energy. But when the levels remain high in the blood, and glucose doesn't reach the muscles, we are deprived of energy. This build-up of glucose in the blood can cause distressing symptoms and actual harm to the body's cells. Symptoms include:

 

• extreme tiredness
• excessive thirst
• blurred vision
• increased risk of infections.

 

However, most people diagnosed with diabetes have no symptoms.

 

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but the symptoms can be controlled. Treatment depends on the type of diabetes. The aim of all treatment is to control blood glucose levels, blood pressure, weight and blood-fat levels. Strategies can include:

 

• a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet
• regular exercise
• avoiding cigarettes
• insulin injections or tablets to control blood glucose levels.

 

 

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This information was first published in You and Your Heart - an education booklet for patients, families and friends. © 2006 Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service