Diabetes. Tierney’s pharmacy, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. There are two basic types of Diabetes. Type 1. This is often called Insulin dependent diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the body no longer produces Insulin and daily insulin injections are the treatment. Regular exercise and an improved diet are also prescribed. There are around 20,000 patients in Ireland with Type 1 diabetes. Most people with Type 1 diabetes develop the disease before the age of thirty. Type 2. Patients with Type 2 diabetes produce some Insulin and treatment involves increased exercise and an improved diet. Some type 2 diabetics are also treated with medication (generally tablets) and in some cases may be treated with Insulin. There are nearly 200,000 patients with Type 2 diabetes in Ireland and this number is increasing dramatically every year. Generally Type 2 diabetes happens in people who are overweight, who eat too much sugar and who do not exercise much. People with Diabetes have too much sugar in their system. They have what is called elevated blood glucose levels. People with elevated blood glucose levels can suffer damage to blood vessels, damage to nerves, damage to the Heart, brain, eyes, kidneys, skin and limbs. In non-diabetics, Insulin controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood system. In diabetics, there may be no Insulin being produced by the body, there may not be enough Insulin being produced by the body or there may be too much glucose in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing disease in Ireland. What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes? Obesity. Increased thirst. Frequent urination. Blurred vision. Very tired. Frequent infections. (skin, bladder and mouth) Slow healing of cuts and bruises. Numbness in feet and hands. Sweet smelling urine. If you have any of the above symptoms then you should see your GP who will do a simple blood test to see if you have Diabetes. Non-drug treatment. 20 minutes exercise every day. Walk at least 10,000 steps every day. No white bread. No sugar. No sugar coated breakfast cereals. No squashes or fizzy drinks. No jams, honey or marmalade. No butter.. use polyunsaturated margarines. No cakes. No biscuits No crisps. Special diabetic foods are not recommended as they are high in fat. Increase water consumption. Give up smoking. Losing weight does not cure diabetes however losing weight does help to control blood glucose levels. If you have any of the diabetic symptoms it is important that you see your GP as quickly as possible. Part of the Health Hint series from Tierney’s Pharmacy, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 17:52:06 +0000
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