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What is Diabetes?
There are many misconceptions about diabetes being a ”mild” condition. But these misconceptions are potentially dangerous. The number of patients faced with diabetes is growing rapidly, with figures in the UK looking to double, potentially treble, by 2010. At this rate, there will be 20,000 people with diabetes within the catchment area served by Ashford & St. Peter’s NHS Trust.
Diabetes is a complex metabolic disease which occurs because of an inbalance between the body’s insulin requirement and ability to produce this hormone. Glucose (sugar) not only comes from sweet foods, but also from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice and potatoes. Insulin helps the glucose to enter our body cells and ”fuel” our body. There are two types of diabetes which can occur if the body is unable to effectively manage the level of glucose in the blood:
- Type 1 occurs when the pancreas cells that produce insulin have been destroyed; daily insulin injections are therefore essential. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are also recommended.
- Type 2 develops when the body can still produce some insulin but not enough. It can be treated through diet, exercise, tablets or insulin therapy.
Whilst Type 1 diabetes results from factors beyond our control there are a variety of reasons for the increase in people with Type 2, namely: Aging population, Unhealthy diet, Obesity, Inactive lifestyle.
The main aim of treatment for both types of diabetes is to relieve symptoms by achieving blood glucose and blood pressure levels near to normal.
The Government is taking an active interest in managing diabetes, identifying associated risks and problems and offering a strategy for prevention, early detection, aggressive and appropriate therapy and monitoring of patients. It points to the importance of educating the whole population about the problem of diabetes and empowering both carers and patients to become actively involved in disease management.
What are the symptoms?
- Increased thirst
- Going to the loo, especially at night
- Extreme tiredness
- Possible weight loss
- Urine infections – itching or regular episodes of thrush
- Blurred vision
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For further information, to purchase tickets for an event, or to request a leaflet, please call 01932 722330 or email: val.levy@asph.nhs.uk
The Stephanie Marks Appeal, Communications and Fundraising, The Studio, Ashford & St Peter’s NHS Trust, Guildford Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0PZ
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