Diabetes Facts

Hypo Wallet

What you need to know about diabetes

Diabetes is the inability of the body to produce sufficient insulin to control the level of glucose in the blood. Too much glucose attacks the organs (especially spikes). Too little glucose and body “runs out of steam” and a “hypo” can result causing you to faint and for the body to begin shutting down.

 

Diabetes Guernsey distributes “hypo wallets~ contain high glucose tablets and liquids to help hypo sufferers recover quickly.

There are two main types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 is an autoimmune condition, that cannot be avoided, as the body works against itself and destroys the insulin producing cells.
  • Type 2 means that the body (in particular the pancreas) is able to produce insulin, but the body cells are resistant. One of its main causes is obesity, as the excess weight and fat around the cells blocks the function of the insulin.

How do I know if I have diabetes?

Having diabetes symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have the condition. If you are at all worried, you should contact your GP.

 

Some common symptoms to look out for are:

  • Toilet – going for a wee a lot, especially at night.
  • Thirsty – being really thirsty.
  • Tired – feeling more tired than usual.
  • Thinner – losing weight without trying to.
  • Genital itching or thrush.
  • Cuts and wounds take longer to heal.
  • Blurred eyesight.
  • Increased hunger.

You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes on the Diabetes UK website.

You are more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you:

  • Are overweight or obese and / or are not physically active
  • Are over 40 years old, or over 25 if you’re from an Asian, African or Black Caribbean ethnic background
  • Have a close relative with diabetes

 

A simple (blood) test will tell you and your doctor. Whether these are due to diabetes.

If the result is positive, it can be treated or modified by taking one or two pills per day and in extreme cases by an injection of insulin. You may need to moderate your eating habits, by cutting down on carbohydrates and taking more exercise.

You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes on the Diabetes UK website.

Quick Facts

Type 1 diabetes is a serious autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks beta cells within the pancreas, which then stop producing insulin. As a result, glucose levels in your blood start to rise, and your body can’t function unless you replace the insulin.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes is often linked to lifestyle or family history and typically develops in adults over the age of 40, although it is becoming more common in younger adults and children.