Diabetes explained

Diabetes is a condition in which people have too much glucose (sugar) in their blood, because they do not have enough insulin or their insulin does not work properly.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body change glucose into energy. Glucose comes from the food we eat, especially 'energy' foods like fruit, soft drinks, bread, pasta and rice.

Two types

The two main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their body has become 'resistant' to insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It affects mainly middle-aged and older people who are inactive and overweight (especially those overweight around the middle), but it is becoming more common in younger people.

Your doctor can check for diabetes
by doing a blood test

Diabetes is a serious condition that lasts for the rest of your life. Over time, the high levels of glucose in the blood damage blood vessels and nerves, which in turn may lead to heart problems, strokes, eye damage (including blindness), kidney problems, and foot and leg problems.

Symptoms

The symptoms of diabetes include feeling more tired, being thirsty, passing urine more often, blurred vision, and taking longer for sores to heal.

However, the symptoms often come on so slowly that people don't notice them. As a result, many people are not aware they have diabetes. Your doctor can check for diabetes by doing a blood test.

Diabetes cannot be cured, but you can reduce your chances of developing the condition by being physically active, eating well and not being overweight.

More information

For more information about diabetes

• talk to your doctor
• read the article on managing diabetes
• ring Diabetes Australia on 1300 136 588
• look up www.diabetesaustralia.com.au (information available in English and other languages).