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By postDiabetes Clinic
Diabetes Week
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For more information, visit the BBCi Health web site.
The weekly Diabetes Clinic is run by Dr Burton and Sister on Monday afternoons.
By following an agreed treatment plan, which includes healthy diet and regular physical activity, you can manage your diabetes by controlling the amount of glucose in your blood and thus lead a normal healthy life.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a complex condition in which the body cannot make proper use of carbohydrate in food because the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the insulin produced is ineffective, or a combination of both.
Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from the digestion of carbohydrate in food into the body's cells where it is used for energy. When insulin is not present or is ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood.
- Type 1 - If there is no insulin present in the body, as in Type 1 diabetes, then there is no key to unlock the door and the glucose stays in the blood. Read more »»
- Type 2 - When there is not enough insulin, the cell doors are only partially unlocked, or when there is lots of insulin but the lock doesn't work properly. Read more »»
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The main symptoms of diabetes are::
- increased thirst
- going to the toilet all the time, especially at night
- extreme tiredness
- unexplained weight loss
- genital itching or recurrent thrush
- blurred vision
- slow healing of cuts and wounds
Diabetic lifestyle
As a diabetic, you need to pay special attention to your diet and lifestyle in order to prevent further complications.
Healthy Eating
There is no special diabetic diet - the main thing to consider is the overall balance of what you're eating, with the emphasis on long-term health and weight control.
Healthy eating is good for everybody so there is no need to prepare separate meals for you and your family. You do not need to buy special foods wither, so relax, and learn how to enjoy a varied balanced diet.
- Eat regular meals based on starchy foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and cereals.
- Cut down on the fat you eat, especially saturated (animal) fats.
- Eat more fruit and vegetables - aim for at least five portions a day.
- Cut down on sugar and sugary snacks.
- Use less salt. Try using herbs and spices instead.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is an important part of diabetes management. Even small changes in activity can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
How much exercise should I be doing?
Build up to at least 30 minutes of activity that leaves you feeling a bit out of puff on most - preferably all - days of the week.
Which activity?
Any! Gardening, walking, swimming, dancing ... it's your choice. Just choose something you enjoy that's convenient - you are more likely to stick at it and make it a habit.
Managing Diabetes
Although diabetes can not yet be cured, it can be managed very successfully.
The aim of diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible (4-7mmol/l before meals and up to 10 mmol/l two hours after a meal).
Type 1 diabetes
In addition to eating healthily and exercising regularly, people with Type 1 diabetes need injections of insulin.
Insulin can not be swallowed because it is destroyed by the digestive juices in the stomach. People with this type of diabetes usually take two or more injections of insulin each day. You will be shown how you can do a simple blood or urine test at home to measure your glucose levels, enabling you to adjust your insulin, food and activity according to your daily routine.
Type 2 diabetes
If eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are not enough to keep your blood glucose levels normal, you may also need to take tablets.
Some tablets help you to produce more insulin, others help your body make better use of the insulin you already produce. Another type of tablet slows down the speed at which the body absorbs glucose from the intestine.
Your doctor or diabetes nurse will decide which kinds of tablets are going to work best for you.
Further Information
The following web sites have excellent information on managing diabetes:
