A Simple Guide To Diabetes:
WHAT IT IS, HOW TO AVOID IT, AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET IT
First thing’s first: What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that leads to high blood sugar.
Blood sugar (glucose) is your body’s main source of energy, and comes from the food you eat. To help blood sugar turn from food to energy, your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin.
Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or doesn’t use it very well. This means that the sugar / glucose stays in your blood and doesn’t reach the cells it needs to in order to turn into energy. When this happens, you will have high blood sugar.
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are 3 main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
If you have Type 1 Diabetes:
- Your body doesn’t make its own insulin
- Your immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas
- You need to take insulin every day to stay alive
Type 1 Diabetes can happen at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in young adults and children.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
If you have Type 2 Diabetes:
- Your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or doesn’t use it properly
- You will probably need to take insulin often, or every day, depending on your blood sugar (glucose) levels
This is the most common type of diabetes, and while it can also happen at any age, it is usually diagnosed in middle-aged or older people.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational Diabetes happens to some young women when they are pregnant. This type of diabetes almost always goes away after the baby is born, but can lead to the mom having a greater chance of getting Type 2 Diabetes later in life
LESS COMMON TYPES OF DIABETES
There are also a few less common types of diabetes, such as Monogenic Diabetes (which you inherit from your parents or grandparents) and diabetes related to cystic fibrosis.
Symptoms of diabetes: What to look out for
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
7 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
INCREASED HUNGER
You are very hungry all the time
INCREASED THIRST
You always want to drink water or other liquids
WEIGHT LOSS
You lose weight without trying, even though you’re eating the same as normal
FREQUENT URINATION
You need to pee a lot,
often at night
BLURRY VISION
You can’t see very well & things become fuzzy
EXTREME TIREDNESS
You feel really tired all the time
SORES THAT DON’T HEAL
Cuts, scratches & bruises take a very long time to heal
SYMPTOMS THAT ONLY HAPPEN TO MEN
DECREASED SEX DRIVE
You don’t feel like having sex often / at all
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
You have trouble getting an erection
POOR MUSCLE STRENGTH
Your body feels weak & tired
SYMPTOMS THAT ONLY HAPPEN TO WOMEN
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
You get infections that make it painful to pee
YEAST INFECTIONS
You get infections that make your vagina red, swollen, itchy & sore
DIFFERENT SYMPTOMS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIABETES
| TYPE 1 DIABETES | TYPE 2 DIABETES |
|---|---|
|
Extreme hunger |
Increased hunger |
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Increased thirst |
Increased thirst |
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Frequent urination (peeing) |
Frequent urination (peeing) |
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Blurry vision |
Blurry vision |
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Tiredness |
Tiredness |
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Weight loss |
Sores heal slowly |
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Mood changes |
Recurring infections (keep getting the same infection over & over again) |
COMPARING THE SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 1 & TYPE 2 DIABETES
| TYPE 1 DIABETES | TYPE 2 DIABETES |
|---|---|
|
Symptoms develop quickly |
Symptoms develop more slowly |
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Symptoms are severe |
Symptoms are mild at first |
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Can lead to a medical emergency due to your body not having enough insulin to control blood sugar |
Less likely (but not impossible) to lead to a medical emergency |
|
More common in children & teenagers |
More common in adults |
BODY MAP: WHERE DO YOU NOTICE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?
What to look out for in your child
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, you should take them to a clinic or healthcare professional to check for diabetes.
Diaper needs changing more often
Bedwetting
Weight loss
Doesn’t want to eat
Always seems thirsty
Always feels tired or weak
Nausea
Vomiting
Mood changes
Diaper rashes that don’t heal / heal very slowly
Breath has a fruity smell
Fast breathing
How does it happen?
THE MAIN CAUSES OF DIABETES
TYPE 1 DIABETES HAPPENS WHEN:
- Your immune system – the way your body fights infections – attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas
- Genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, cause your body to change how it responds to insulin
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of Type 2 Diabetes, but they have observed two common and related symptoms:
- Cells in the liver, muscle and fat become insulin-resistant – meaning that they don’t take in enough sugar from the bloodstream
- The pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to fulfil the increased need caused by the resistance
How is diabetes diagnosed?
TESTING FOR DIABETES
| THE TEST | HOW IT’S DONE |
|---|---|
|
Fasting plasma glucose test |
This test is usually done first thing in the morning after fasting for 8 hours (not eating or drinking anything except small sips of water) |
|
Random plasma glucose test |
This test can be done any time, and you don’t need to fast. |
|
A1c test |
This test measured your average blood glucose level (or blood sugar level) over the last 2 or 3 months. You don’t need to fast for this test either. |
|
Oral glucose tolerance test |
In this test, you will fast overnight and have your glucose levels tested in the morning. Then you will drink a sugary drink, and your glucose levels are tested again after 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours to see how your body handles sugar. |
|
Blood and urine tests |
If your doctor suspects that you have Type 1 Diabetes, they will collect samples of your blood and urine
(pee). Your blood will be checked to see if your immune system is destroying the insulin-creating cells in your body by looking for ‘autoantibodies’, which are a sign that your body is attacking itself.
Your urine will be tested to see if your body is burning fat as energy instead of sugar by looking for ‘ketones’. These are both signs that you may have Type 1 Diabetes |
What should you expect if you’re diagnosed with diabetes?
HEALTH PROBLEMS YOU MIGHT FACE WITH DIABETES
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Eye problems
- Dental disease (diseases in your teeth)
- Nerve damage
- Foot problems
I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes – what now?
HOW TO LIVE WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES
- Stay calm and manage your stress levels – stress can raise your blood sugar level
- Work with your diabetes care team to find the best lifestyle choices for you
- Get the support you need from friends, family and your diabetes support team, and always ask for help when you need it
- Take care of yourself through diet, exercise and good mental health
- Use technology to make your life easier, especially when it comes to testing your blood
sugar and injecting yourself with insulin - Be patient with yourself and your diabetes, and never stop learning how to live a rich, full life
HOW TO LIVE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
- Stay calm and manage your stress levels – stress can raise your blood sugar level
- Get the support you need from friends, family and your diabetes support team, and always ask for help when you
need it - Eat well and make a diabetes meal plan with the help of your care team
- Diabetes-friendly diets are usually low in calories, saturated fats, trans fats, sugar and salt
- Eat foods with more fibre, such as whole grain cereals, wholewheat breads and brown rice
- Eat fruit, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereal, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese
- Drink water instead of juice or soft drinks
Portion size matters! Your plate should be:
- Half fruits and vegetables
- A quarter lean proteins, like beans or skinless chicken
- A quarter whole grains, like brown rice or wholewheat pasta
- Stay active – start slow and work your way up to light exercise every day (walking, swimming), and muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week (push-ups, yoga)
- Know what you need to do every day
- Take all the medicines your doctor has given you for diabetes and any other health problems, even if you’re feeling good
- Check your feet for cuts, blisters or red spots every day, and get in touch with your healthcare team if any sores do not heal
- Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth and gums happy and healthy
- Stop smoking
- Keep track of your blood sugar by testing yourself once or more per day, write down the results and show them to your healthcare team
STAY HEALTHY ALL YEAR ROUND WIT REGULAR CHECK-UPS
Visit your healthcare team or clinic at least twice a year to catch any problems you may have early.
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Things to do every visit |
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Things to do at least twice a year |
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Things to do at least once a year |
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Diabetes myth vs fact
Myth:
Diabetes is caused by eating sugar.
Fact:
Any high-calorie diet can cause you to gain weight, and gaining weight increases your risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Myth:
If you’re overweight, you will develop Type 2 Diabetes
Fact:
While being overweight increases your risk, other things will lead to you developing Type 2 Diabetes or not. These include family history, ethnicity, age and the amount of exercise you do. Many people who develop Type 2 Diabetes are of normal weight or just a bit overweight.
Myth:
People with diabetes can’t eat chocolates or sweets.
Fact:
When you are first diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, you will probably have enough insulin to be able to eat some chocolate and sweets. However, over time your insulin levels will drop and you will need to take insulin injections for your body to be able to process sugar.
Myth:
You’re more likely to catch a cold if you have diabetes.
Fact:
You are no more at risk of catching a cold or any other illness than anyone else – but if you do get an infection, it could be harder to manage if you have diabetes.
Myth:
You will have to give yourself injections.
Fact:
Some treatments will require you to inject yourself, while others won’t.
Insulin pens, oral medications and blood sugar metres do not require injections.
Myth:
You can’t live an active life if you have diabetes
Fact:
The opposite is true – exercise is crucial to controlling diabetes. Exercise can help your muscles use glucose without insulin, and helps your cells use insulin better. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the best exercise plan for your needs.
Myth:
Diabetes has no symptoms.
Fact:
Some people with Type 2 Diabetes will have such small symptoms that they won’t even notice – but others will have more noticeable symptoms.
Some common symptoms include feeling very thirsty, urinating (peeing) often, feeling very hungry even though you’re eating enough, having blurry or fuzzy vision, or having cuts or bruises that take a long time to heal.
Myth:
People with diabetes always lose a limb or go blind.
Fact:
When diabetes is untreated, serious damage to your body can happen, such as blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke or losing a limb. However, many of these can be avoided by catching your diabetes early, and managing your blood sugar levels.
Early detection, urine tests, eye exams and foot exams can also lower your risk of serious injury or disease.
Different types of treatment for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
TREATMENT FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES
You will have to take insulin every day, as your pancreas is no longer making insulin
TREATMENT FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES
- You can take medication for diabetes, as well as medication for some of the side effects of the disease
- Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating better and staying active will help you manage your diabetes
THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF TAKING INSULIN
|
Rapid-acting insulins |
Taken 15 minutes before meals. These have the strongest effect of lowering your blood sugar levels one hour after you take it, and continue to work for another 2-4 hours. |
|
Short-acting insulins |
These take about 30 minutes to start working, and have the strongest effect in 2-3 hours. These last for 3-6 hours in total. |
|
Intermediate-acting insulins |
Reach your bloodstream in 2-4 hours, with the strongest effect happening around 4-12 hours after taking. These work for up to 18 hours in total. |
|
Long-acting insulins |
These work to keep your blood sugar stable all day, and last for about 18 hours in total. |
Gestational Diabetes (Diabetes during pregnancy): Everything you need to know
When you first think about getting pregnant, chat to your healthcare provider so they can check your risk of Gestational Diabetes as well as your overall health. Once you’re pregnant, your healthcare provider will check for Gestational Diabetes as part of your prenatal care (care before pregnancy)
SYMPTOMS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination (peeing more often)
CAUSES OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES
No causes have been proven, but being overweight before / during pregnancy can increase your risk.
Other possible risk factors include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Not exercising enough
- Having higher blood sugar levels than normal – this is often called ‘prediabetes’, as it is not serious enough to be diagnosed, but is a serious risk factor
- Having had Gestational Diabetes during a previous pregnancy
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome – this is a hormonal imbalance that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges
- Having an immediate family member with diabetes (father, mother, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, etc.)
- Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than 4kg
What does having Gestational Diabetes mean for your pregnancy?
If it is not carefully managed, Gestational Diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to problems for both you and your baby, including a higher risk of needing a C-section (surgery) to deliver.
ISSUES YOUR BABY MAY FACE:
- High birth weights
High blood sugar can lead your baby to grow too big, increasing the chance of injuries during birth or the need for a C-section - Early birth
The risk of early labour and delivery increases, or you may be forced to have an early C-section if the baby is getting too big - Serious breathing difficulties
If you baby is born early, it may be born with a syndrome that makes
breathing difficult - Low blood sugar
Your baby may be born with low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), which can cause seizures if not treated early with feedings or IV glucose drips - Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Your baby will have a higher risk of becoming obese and developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life - Stillbirth
Untreated Gestational Diabetes can cause a baby to pass away before or shortly after birth
ISSUES YOU MAY FACE:
- High blood pressure and preeclampsia
Gestational Diabetes increases your risk of high blood pressure, as well as preeclampsia – this is a serious issue that can threaten the life of both you and your baby - Surgical delivery (C-section)
Due to the issues your baby may face, your risk of needing a C-section is higher - Diabetes in your future
If you have Gestational Diabetes, you are more likely to develop it again during a future pregnancy, and also have a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes when you’re older
What can you do to prevent Gestational Diabetes?
EAT HEALTHY FOODS
- Choose foods that are high in fibre and low in fat and calories
- Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Aim for a variety of different types of foods to get all the nutrients you need and to keep your diet tasty and exciting
- Watch your portion sizes – don’t eat too much
STAY ACTIVE
- Exercising before and during pregnancy can protect you from developing Gestational Diabetes
- Aim for 30 minutes of casual activity most days of the week, such as walking, riding a bike or swimming
- Find ways to stay active, such as walking rather than driving or catching a taxi (where possible)
– it all adds up
START YOUR PREGNANCY AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT
- If you are planning to get pregnant, make sure you’re at a healthy weight before you start trying
- Losing weight before your pregnancy can help you form healthy habits – such as eating more fruits and veggies – that you can continue during your pregnancy to lower your risk even more
DON’T GAIN MORE WEIGHT THAN YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER RECOMMENDS
- You are sure to gain weight during your pregnancy, which is healthy and normal – but don’t gain more than your doctor or healthcare provider recommends
- Ask your healthcare provider how much weight gain is right for you, and try to stick to it
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