DIABETES
What is it?
Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood, because the body does not produce enough insulin to control it. There are two types of diabetes:
Type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes: Occurs manly in children and young adults
Type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes: Occurs mostly in people over the age of 40 and is often associated with obesity.
Symptoms
Type1 diabetes: Thirst, Frequent urination, marked weight loss, fatigue, repeated infections of the skin, feet or bladder, tingling in the hands and feet. Leg cramps.
Type2 diabetes: Although the symptoms are the same as type 1 diabetes, they usually develop gradually. Symptoms often do not appear until years after the actual onset of the diseases. The condition is often only detected in the course of a routine medical examination.
Causes
Type1 diabetes: An adequate or total lack of insulin production by the pancreas, which in turn causes a high level of glucose in the blood.
Type2 diabetes: Inadequate insulin production by the pancreas, obesity and hereditary factors.
Treatment in the home: None until diabetes is diagnosed. Once identified, the diabetic requires a lifelong treatment. This is largely self- administered, so is effectiveness will depend mainly on you.
Possible complications: Poor vision, kidney damage, heart disease, foot ulcers, diabetic coma as a result of circulatory impairment.
When to consult a doctor: Immediately persistent thirst, together with frequent urination develops.
What the doctor may do: Test urine. If sugar is present, this test will be followed by a blood test to measure the level of sugar in the blood. Refer you to an endocrine specialist.