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Control Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder, caused by the lack of the hormone insulin, which alters the body's ability to store or use glucose (the source of energy that comes from carbohydrates / sugars).
Diabetes also causes problems in metabolising fats and speeds up the degeneration of blood vessels. There are two main types of diabetes, each of which require slightly different treatment. Usually some form of dietary control is needed.
- Type I diabetes: if you have type I diabetes you do not produce any insulin and you have to take regular insulin injections.
- Type II diabetes: if you have type II diabetes you do not produce enough insulin and you may have to take tablets.
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Why is it important to control diabetes?
The main complication of diabetes is damage to blood vessels. This increases the risk of heart disease, strokes and poor circulation. Other complications of diabetes include:
- Nephropathy (kidney disease)
- Retinopathy (damage to the eyes)
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)
Controlling your diabetes can minimise these complications throughout the body.
Monitoring diabetes
It is important to get your diabetes under the best possible control. Therefore you should:
- Check your blood glucose levels and test your urine regularly
- Follow the treatment that is prescribed for you
- Attend the doctor and / or clinic regularly
To mimimise any other complications of diabetes it is recommend that you:
- Have an annual eye examination
- Take particular care of your feet and attend a chiropodist regularly
- Report any problems as early as possible
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