Managing Diabetes
Managing Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) Without proper insulin function, blood sugar levels become elevated, which can lead to complications over time.
There are three main types
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body cannot produce insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth but increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later.
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Increased thirst and frequent urination (due to excess glucose in the bloodstream)
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or infections
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (especially in Type 2 diabetes)
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of developing diabetes, such as:
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Age (especially over 45 for Type 2 diabetes)
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Proper management through medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring blood sugar can help control diabetes and prevent complications.
⚠️ SHOULD YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR GP OR VISIT https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/