Leaflet Diabetes
Leaflet Diabetes
Leaflet Diabetes
Leaflet: Diabetes
Leaflet: Diabetes
Diabetes
Diabetes (strictly called diabetes mellitus) occurs when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood becomes higher than normal. Insulin is a hormone (chemical) that is made by the pancreas gland. Diabetes may develop if not enough insulin is made or it is not able to work properly on the body's cells. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus - insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).
Leaflet: Diabetes
IDDM is treated with insulin injections and diet. There are different types of insulin and the treatment schedule varies from person to person depending on individual circumstances. As well as insulin, it is important to eat a healthy low fat, high fibre diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Advice on this is given by members of a diabetic team This usually includes nurses, doctors, dietitians, etc. Regular starchy meals and snacks throughout the day are necessary to balance with the insulin.
Monitoring progress
Many GP's surgeries and hospitals have special diabetes clinics. Doctors, nurses, dietitians, chiropodists, opticians and other health care workers all play a role in giving advice and checking on progress. Activities in diabetes clinics include the following. Checking on blood glucose levels to monitor control; ongoing advice on diet and lifestyle; checking for early signs of complications, for example, eye checks, foot checks, blood tests etc; advising on all aspects of care. It is important to have regular checks as many problems, particularly if detected early, can be treated or helped.
Leaflet: Diabetes
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