What is diabetes?
Diabetes is diagnosed when a
person has too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This happens because the
pancreas cannot make enough insulin. Glucose
is an essential source of energy for the brain, and is one of the sources of
energy for the body. Glucose in the bloodstream comes from carbohydrate foods,
which are changed into glucose after we have eaten them.
Glucose also comes from the
liver, where it has been previously stored. This ensures a constant
supply even when we have not eaten recently.For people without diabetes, the level of
glucose in the body is between 4 and 8 mmol/L.
Insulin is produced in the
pancreas, and has two jobs in the body. The first is to transport glucose from the blood supply into fat and
muscle cells, where it can be used for energy. The second is to switch off the
liver, once the level of glucose in the blood is high enough.
Diabetes is the result of the
body not creating enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels in the normal
range. It cannot presently be cured but it can be controlled and you can lead a
full and active life.
There are three types of
diabetes:
Type 1
People, who do not make any insulin (or very little) have Type 1 Diabetes,
as the immune system destroys the pancreas they have stopped making insulin,
and their body is unable to use glucose for energy. They tend to lose weight
very quickly because their body is actually being starved. Their health rapidly
deteriorates and they would die, if insulin were not given.
They therefore require insulin by
injection several times each day. Along with some dietary changes, this
will allow the person to maintain good health.
Type 2
People with Type 2 Diabetes are still making insulin, but the production
is sluggish or their body is resistant to insulin. Becoming overweight is
almost always the cause of the body becoming resistant to insulin and can
trigger Type 2 Diabetes, even in young people. Type 2 Diabetes can be treated
with weight loss, and regular physical activity. Medication in the form of
tablets is often required to reduce the resistance to insulin or to stimulate
the pancreas to make more insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive condition
in that the pancreas continues to get more sluggish over time. People with Type
2 Diabetes may eventually require insulin.
Diabetes of pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)
Gestational Diabetes is when a pregnant woman has high levels of glucose
in her blood. High blood glucose is caused because the mother cannot produce
enough insulin (a pregnant woman's insulin needs are two to three times that of
someone, who is not pregnant). Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes
is only temporary and usually disappears after pregnancy. However, a woman
who has had Gestational Diabetes has an increased risk (50-60%) of developing Type
2 Diabetes in the future. Therefore, they
should be tested for Type 2 Diabetes each year.
For more information about the Diabetes NZ, including Assessment and Family Support Services, go to
www.diabetes.org.nz, or call toll-free DIABETES (0800) 342-238, or Email:
admin@diabetes.org.nz