FREE Diabetes Testing on 25th February 2012

When you have diabetes, your body either cannot make its own insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Diabetes can be managed with medication, a healthy eating plan and exercise. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. It usually starts in young people under the age of 30, and may occur in very young children and infants. The onset is sudden and dramatic.

People who have Type 1 diabetes must inject insulin every day to survive. Insulin dosages are carefully balanced with food intake and exercise programmes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the insulin which the pancreas produces is either not enough or does not work properly. Most people with Type 2 diabetes are over 40. They are usually overweight and do not exercise. Exercise and healthy eating plans are essential for good management, but usually tablets will be prescribed to improve control. Many people with Type 2 diabetes eventually use insulin as they get older.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes:

- You may be very thirsty and go to the toilet often

- You may always feel tired

- Your body can't use the energy it needs from your food

- You may lose weight quickly without dieting

- High blood sugar could cause blurred vision

- You may have dry, itchy skin, and sores may not heal quickly

If you have diabetes, try to follow these guidelines:

- Consult a diabetes nurse educator

- Take your prescribed medication at the correct times

- Be active and exercise regularly, as your body uses insulin better when you exercise

- Exercise also helps with weight loss

- Follow a healthy high-fibre, low-fat eating plan

- Test your blood glucose every day, but not at the same time every day. Test two hours after finishing your meal

- Educate yourself, as knowledge is the key to good management

 

Diabetes SA is a non-profit organization and depends entirely on membership fees, donations and fund-raising activities to finance its work. National Office: 086 111 3913