Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease where the body is unable to produce or use the hormone insulin, which is necessary for the uptake and utilisation of glucose. Glucose is essential for the production of energy in cells and any perturbations to blood glucose levels - if it is too high (hyperglycaemia) or if it is too low (hypoglycaemia) can affect a person’s ability to reason. In diabetics, glucose builds up in the blood leading to hyperglycaemia, which in turn can lead to heart, kidney and nerve disease. People with diabetes also have an impaired ability for wound healing. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 (juvenile diabetes) starts at an early age and is an autoimmune condition, where the body produces antibodies against the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a common condition, where the pancreas produces reduced quantities of insulin, which are insufficient to take up glucose from blood. In recent years, it has been clear that there is a link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. If diabetes is untreated it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a state where the body is so low in insulin it uses fat as fuel and as fats are broken down they produce ketones, which can make the body acidic. Hyperosmolar syndrome is the result of very high blood glucose levels and dehydration.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes: age, overweight, BMI>25, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, very high or very low birth weight and a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia: fatigue, frequent urination, extreme thirst, loss of weight, increased appetite and issues with eyesight.

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia: hunger, dizziness, confusion, palpitations, numbness, tingling of the lips, trembling, double vision, disorientation and eventually a coma.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis: sweet breath, difficulty breathing, nausea, confusion and eventually a coma.

Symptoms of hyperosmolar syndrome: confusion, tiredness and eventually a coma.

Who to consult: Dietician, endocrinologist, GP, naturopath, optometrist, ophthalmologist, podiatrist.

Articles on Diabetes

	The Sweet Truth Giving in to cravings for sweets can cause all sorts of health problems, but there are ways to help your body to deal with sugar more effectively.  Read More »
	Yoga for Diabetes Get your diabetes under control with a few simple yoga poses.  Read More »
	Is seaweed a superfood? Think seaweed is all washed up? Not so. This superfood offers high mineral content and health benefits that range from maintaining brain function to decreasing cholesterol and blood pressure.  Read More »
	How to manage blood sugar levels Giving in to cravings for sweets can cause all sorts of health problems, but there are ways to help your body to deal with sugar more effectively.  Read More »
	Yoga for diabetes The practice of yoga brings the body, mind and spirit into harmony. In this state, free of worries and stress, a great amount of healing can take place on all levels.  Read More »
	Does laughter have healing properties? There's a saying "laughter is the best medicine" - it turns out that might just be true!  Read More »
	A bit of optimism goes a long way Having an optimistic outlook can prevent specific diseases and promote longevity.  Read More »
	Herbs for weight loss The plant world offers some exciting and effective medicines for assisting weight loss and maintenance.  Read More »
	Special Report - Diabetes WellBeing's special report will tell you all you need to know about Diabetes and how you can help reduce your risk managing what you eat and through herbal and natural remedies.  Read More »
	Functional Food: Goji Berries Goji berries have become more popular with them moving from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Australian food products.  Read More »
	Tienchi ginseng Tienchi ginseng root is one of the most highly valued plants in Oriental medicine, find out why.  Read More »
	Health in a bowl: oats Good for your insides as well as your outside, this grain provides you with essential vitamins, iron, fibre and carbohydrates. It’s time to elevate the status of the humble oat.  Read More »
	Avoiding bad sugars Feel like eating some chocolate? Many people do not realise that some sugars have negative effects on the body and skin.  Read More »

Tags: diabetes, glucose, sugar, obesity, weight, insulin, heart, dizzy, fat, lifestyle