Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for your cells, and insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. In diabetes, something goes wrong with this process, either because your body can’t make enough insulin or because the insulin it makes doesn’t work properly.

According to the HSE, there are approximately 270,000 people living with type 2 diabetes in Ireland today.

Main Types of Diabetes

There’s a significant difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and it can often be difficult for people to understand.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 is an auto-immune condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks and damages beta-cell. Beta Cells are the cells that make insulin in the pancreas. That means patients have little or no insulin themselves, so they have to take it into their bodies artificially.

Type 1 is caused by Genetic, environmental and auto-immune factors. These factors generally mean it cannot be prevented. It tends to occur in childhood or early adult life, and always requires treatment with insulin injections.

Symptoms:

  • Increased thirst.
  • Increased urination.
  • Constant hunger.
  • Noticeable weight loss.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Extreme tiredness.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). Unlike type 1 diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce any insulin, in type 2 diabetes, the body either becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells for energy, so when it’s not working properly, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.

If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, vision problems, and an increased risk of stroke. That’s why it’s important to manage blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes and possibly medication.

Symptoms:

Symptoms can develop gradually and might include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts or bruises, and unexplained weight loss. However, some people with type 2 diabetes may not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed.

This type of Diabetes is usually caused by lifestyle habits, genetics, and ageing. It can usually be managed with a healthy diet and exercise.

In some cases, Type 2 is preventable. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels can all help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

What is Pre-Diabetes?

Pre-diabetes means that your blood glucose levels (sugar) are higher than usual. But they are not high enough to diagnose you with type 2 diabetes.

It can also mean that you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

The earlier pre-diabetes is diagnosed the better, as it is treatable.

Being active, reaching a healthy weight and eating healthy food can all reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes you should visit your doctor every year to monitor your blood glucose levels.

Managing & Treatment of Diabetes

Treatment of Diabetes Type 1

Treatment for Type 1 involves injecting insulin into the fatty tissue just under your skin. You can use:

  • Syringes.
  • Insulin pens that use prefilled cartridges and a thin needle.
  • Jet injectors that use high-pressure air to send a spray of insulin through your skin
  • Pumps that send insulin through a tube to a catheter under the skin of your belly

Management of Type 2

Managing your Diabetes involves Weight loss, Healthy eating & Regular exercise.

Losing weight can lower your blood sugar levels. Remember that physical activity lowers blood sugar. Check your blood sugar level before any activity. Try to move around a bit every 30 minutes. It helps to choose activities that you enjoy, such as walking or swimming so that you can make them part of your daily routine.

Controlling portions and eating healthy foods are simple ways to start taking the weight off. There is no specific “Diabetic Diet”, even though many would have you believe it. By being careful with your diet, you’re well on your way to steadily managing your Diabetes.

Be sure to follow these simple instructions:

  • Eat fewer calories, or track your calories if that’s an option.
  • Eat less refined carbohydrates. Especially those sweet treats.
  • Try to consume less saturated fats.
  • Introduce more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-filled foods to your daily food intake.
  • Control your Diabetes.

You’re not at the mercy of Diabetes. You can control it. You can do this by eating healthily, taking regular physical activity, and complying with the prescribed regime of medication. Have your annual check-up to ensure sure you’re still in control of all aspects of your diabetes.

You can call Dr. Natalia Bratu for an appointment on advice.
Email :Info@refineclinic.ie

Call us 01-5645926