HEALTH ADVICE - DIABETES

Diabetes is a hormone disorder that can cause problems with the kidneys, legs and feet, eyes, heart, nerves, and blood flow. Diabetes is on the increase, probably because people are living longer, getting fatter and leading increasingly inactive lifestyles. If you would like to talk to us to ask advice, either come in to see us or telephone on 01535 634727 or email us at info@crosshillspharmacy.co.uk

There are two types of diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes - also known as insulin-dependent is a disease that destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin.

What are the symptoms?  Type 1 diabetes often appears suddenly.

• High levels of sugar in the blood and Urine – your pharmacy can test these levels
• Frequent urination (and/or bed-wetting in children);
• Extreme hunger / thirst;
• Extreme weight loss;
• Weakness and tiredness;
• Irritability and mood swings;
• Nausea and vomiting.

People with type 1 diabetes can live happy, healthy lives provided they follow a diabetes treatment plan. Blood sugar levels must be kept as close to normal as possible through insulin injections, regular exercise and control of diet. Blood and urine tests will show if the disease is under control.

Type 2 Diabetes: or non-insulin dependent diabetes is the most common form of the disease. It usually occurs in people who are over the age of 45 and overweight.

What are the symptoms?

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly. Most people who get it have increased thirst and an increased need to urinate. Many also feel tired, irritable and nauseous. Some people have an increased appetite, but they lose weight.

Other signs are:

• Repeated or hard-to-heal infections of the skin, gums, vagina, or bladder;
• Blurred vision;
• Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet;
• Dry, itchy skin.

It is thought that millions of people worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes without realising it. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by keeping blood sugar levels as close as possible to normal. This can be done by regular exercise and diet control alone. Losing weight helps some overweight people to bring their blood sugars into the normal range