Diabetes: Under the microscope

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Each week we look more closely at the most common health conditions.

This week, we're focusing on diabetes...

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which there's too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It happens because the body can't use the glucose properly either because there's not enough of the hormone insulin, or because the insulin that is there doesn't work well enough.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are two types: Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes and Type 2 or non insulin-dependent diabetes.
In Type 1, the body produces no or very little insulin and someone with this type needs treatment for their whole life: they need to check their glucose levels regularly and be aware of any problems.
In Type 2, the body cannot use insulin properly or doesn't make enough. This is often linked to obesity and 9 in 10 people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, with more than 80% overweight.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes before treatment are:
- feeling really thirsty
- going to the loo far more than normal
- tiredness and loss of weight

Sufferers might also get:
- blurred vision
- itching around the genitals
- thrush

For Type 1 sufferers, symptoms happen quickly, while many Type 2 sufferers get no symptoms at all.

Who gets diabetes?

Anyone. Type 1 usually starts before the age of 40, while Type 2 happens mainly in people over the age of 40. However, the obesity crisis has meant that people are getting Type 2 diabetes younger and younger.

According to figures from Diabetes UK, more than 2 million people know they have diabetes, with possibly another million who don't know they have it. And figures are on the rise.
Things that put you more at risk of getting type 2 diabetes are:

getting older
being of Asian or African-Caribbean origin
being a woman who has given birth to a large baby
being overweight
being inactive

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes is usually caused because an organ called the pancreas doesn't produce enough (or any) insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar in the body. It can also be caused by something called insulin resistance, where you body can't use the insulin properly.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

If your doctor tests you, he will do it by a urine sample, which will show it contains glucose. To confirm the diagnosis your GP will then run a blood test.

How is diabetes treated?

Depending on whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you will treat it in slightly different ways.

People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin injections for the rest of their life. You can give them yourself usually using a syringe or injection pen - on average 2-4 times a day.
You will also need to check your glucose levels regularly by a pinprick blood test and make sure your diet and exercise levels are at the right levels. All this can be talked through with your doctor.

For people with Type 2 diabetes lifestyle changes are the main treatment, especially diet. Some sufferers may need insulin injections and there are also different types of medicine that can be taken to treat it. You will need to talk to your doctor to decide which is the best option.

Regardless of which type of diabetes you have, you will need regular check-ups with your doctor or practice nurse.

How long does diabetes last?

Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, there's no cure. You can only manage the condition through medication and changes to your lifestyle.

Are there any other risks?

If diabetes is not treated, there are increased risks of the following problems:
- heart disease and stroke
- kidney disease
- foot problems
- impotence in men