Diabetes 16+

There are more than 400 million people worldwide who have diabetes and nearly 5 million of these live in the UK. Up to one in five people with diabetes are unaware that they have the condition. 

Diabetes can be successfully managed, but the way this is approached depends on the type of diabetes. It has several long-term health effects. This is especially true if blood glucose levels are poorly controlled in an individual. 

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and accounts for up to 10% of diabetes cases in the UK. It typically develops before the age of 40 and occurs when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin.

There are two types of cells in the pancreas. Exocrine cells are responsible for the production and secretion of digestive enzymes. These pass along the pancreatic duct into the duodenum. These cells are not usually affected in diabetes. The pancreas also contains groups of cells called the islets of Langerhans. These cells release their products directly into the blood and so are a form of endocrine gland. Two hormones are produced in these islets. Insulin is made in beta cells and glucagon in alpha cells.

Type 1 diabetes develops when the person's own immune system destroys the beta cells. As a result insulin is no longer produced and blood sugar levels rise. This leads to the rapid onset of the symptoms of diabetes, including fatigue, unquenchable thirst, weight loss and the production of large volumes of urine. The risk of developing type 1 diabetes has recently been linked with genetic factors and may be associated with lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

Type 1 diabetes treatment can be complex and must be tailored to the individual patient. Injections of insulin are vital to keep sufferers alive. People with type 1 diabetes may require a number of injections of insulin every day, as well as (bolus) insulin.  Type 1 diabetes patients should also receive advice on diet and exercise to support managing the disease. 

Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of cases in the UK. It typically develops in the over 40's and can be treated using combinations of lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), oral medicines and daily, long-acting insulin injections.

Healthy diet

• Regular meals with foods that contain starch (bread, pasta, potatoes and rice) and decreased consumption of processed foods to maintain a stable blood sugar level.
• Reduced consumption of sugary foods like carbonated drinks, cakes and sweets.
• If overweight/obese, losing weight will help to control the disorder.

Medicines

• Bind to receptors on beta cells and stimulate the release of insulin.
• Sensitize the liver, fat and muscle cells to the insulin that is available.
• Reduce the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver.
• Enzyme-inhibitors slow the breakdown of complex carbohydrates in the digestive system.

Regular exercise

• Helps the body to regulate its blood glucose levels.
• Helps to maintain a healthy weight.
• Improves blood pressure and lessens the chances of circulation problems.