Medical Bulletin : Understanding Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disorder wherein your body has a defect in the production or utilization of insulin. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, is needed by the body to process glucose or sugar, proteins and fat.

There are two (2) kinds if diabetes:

• Type 1- The body stops producing insulin.
• Type 2- The body still makes insulin but cannot use or utilize it well.

Who is at risk of Diabetes?

People who are characterized by at least one of these factors are more likely to develop diabetes:

1. has a family history of diabetes
2. has a sedentary lifestyle
3. has waistline of greater than (>)35 inches for men and greater than (>)31.5 inches for women
4. has hypertension 

What are the symptoms?

Many people have Type 2 Diabetes for years without knowing it because early symptoms can be vague and may not seem important at the time. It's important to seek medical advice if you think you might have signs of diabetes. Early diagnosis reduces the risk of your developing complications.

  

Symptoms of diabetes can include:

1. feeling thirsty all the time
2. frequent urination
3. tiredness
4. weight loss
5. muscle wasting
6. frequent infections or slow-healing sores
7. itchiness around vagina or penis
8. regular episodes of thrush
9. blurred vision