A disturbance between the balance of insulin and glucose can cause hyperglycaemia (too much glucose in the blood) which in turn causes a return of the original symptoms of Diabetes, or hypoglycaemia, where there is too little sugar in the blood,causing weakness, confusion, dizziness, sweating and ultimately unconsciousness and possibly fits.

Those with Type 1 Diabetes should always carry some sugar or glucose with them in case of hypoglycaemia.

For those who wish to maintain independence over the control of their condition an insulin pump is available. This continuously infuses insulin into the patient from a re-fillable pump through a needle in the skin.

The patient, in this case, however must be capable and willing to monitor, very carefully, their own glucose levels.

Diabetes diet

In Type 2 Diabetes, where the body does manufacture some insulin, the condition can often be controlled by diet alone.

The intake of carbohydrates must be carefully spaced out and monitored over the day. This regulates the blood-sugar levels and decreases the weight.

If this treatment is not adequate, tablets containing anti-diabetic drugs can be prescribed to stimulate the production of insulin in the pancreas. Dietary instructions must still be carefully adhered to, however.

See the doctor regularly

All Diabetics of whichever type should see their doctor regularly as a number of complications are associated with Diabetes. If detected early on many can readily be treated. Diabetics should also carry information which identifies their condition, at all times.

Diabetics of either type are usually advised to monitor the glucose levels in their blood and urine using DIY kits.

Many diabetics ultimately develop complications. This is more likely if care has not been taken over the control of their diabetes, but complications can also occur in those who have managed their condition very carefully and conscientiously.

Complications of Diabetes

Complications include damage to the retina (the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye and the associated blood vessels) This is called retinopathy and is monitored during regular eye-tests by an ophthalmologist. It can be cured by laser treatment which will prevent blindness, if caught early enough.

Further complication are damage to the nerve fibres (neuropathy), or damage to the kidneys (nephropathy), which might need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Ulcers may occur

Sometimes ulcers occur on the feet. There is danger that these might become gangrenous though this is always preventable if care is taken.

Among Diabetics a number develop fatty deposits on the inside of arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure( hypertension), other disorders of the heart and cataracts ( clouding of the lens in the eye).

Many diabetics, however, live for very many years without complications and achieve a normally lengthy life. The life span of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetics is frequently as long as that of non-diabetics.

However, for those suffering form Type 2 Diabetes, life might be shortened because of circulatory or other heart disorders. In many of these cases, though, these conditions were present before diabetes was diagnosed.

Diabetes and Pregnancy >>