diabetes- malfunction of the pancreas

Question 1

what are the main two types of diabetes?

Answer 1

type 1- body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
type 2- the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or cells do not react to insulin

Question 2

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Answer 2

feeling thirsty
urinating more frequently
tiredness
weight loss/loss of muscle bulk
itching around genitals
cuts/wounds healing slowly
blurred vision

Question 3

What are the causes?

Answer 3

amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by insulin, which is produced by the pancreas
people with diabetes are unable to break down glucose into energy, due to lack of insulin to move glucose into cells, or the insulin produced does not work properly

Question 4

what lifestyle factors should be taken up by people who have diabetes?

Answer 4

eat healthy
regular exercise ( helps lower blood sugar level)
regular blood tests (ensure blood glucose levels stay balanced)

Question 5

What are the monitoring procedures for diabetes?

Answer 5

regular blood tests

diabetic eye screening (diabetic retinopathy)

Question 6

What are some of the treatment methods available for type 1?

Answer 6

regular insulin injections
there are different types of insulin
1) taken 1/2 times a day, is known as long-acting background or basal insulin. it gives your body insulin whether you eat or not and should keep blood glucose level stable overnight and between meals

2)insulin taken with food/drink. Known as fast-acting, mealtime or bolus insulin. Helps reduce the rise in glucose caused by eating/drinking and is usually taken before a meal/snack/drink with carbohydrates in it

Question 7

What are some of the treatment methods for type 2?

Answer 7

metformin is usually offered first.
If levels do not lower within three months you may need another medicine
Insulin is not often used for type 2, unless other medication does not work

Question 8

What are the side effects of diabetes medicine?

Answer 8

bloating
diarrhoea
weight loss or gain
feeling sick
swollen ankles

Question 9

What makes a person more at risk for developing type 2 diabetes?

Answer 9

if they are over 40, or 25 for South Asian people
If they have a close relative with diabetes
If they are overweight or obese
If they are of South African, Asian, Chinese, Caribbean, or black African origin, even if you were born in the UK

Question 10

What are the check ups available for type 2 diabetes? (monitoring procedures)

Answer 10

Every 3 months, blood sugar tests (HbA1c)