Impaired Glucose Tolerance

Impaired glucose tolerance happens to people whose blood glucose levels are slightly higher than normal.

The levels are not as high as people who have diabetes, but they are still high. These people need to be looked after by a doctor.

People with impaired glucose tolerance are at high risk of developing diabetes.

Management

The person should:

• Follow a healthy eating plan
• Exercise regularly
• Visit the doctor for checks every 12 months for fasting laboratory blood glucose tests.

Long Term Complications

People with impaired glucose tolerance are very fortunate because they have the opportunity to avoid long-term complications by eating healthy food and exercising regularly.

If they do not follow these suggestions then they are at risk of heart disease or stroke and of developing type 2 diabetes.

Next: Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body is not producing its own insulin in the pancreas.

Insulin is needed to help glucose move from blood into all the cells in the body to give them energy.

Insulin comes from beta cells in the pancreas. Sometimes the beta cells in the pancreas have been destroyed and this increases the possibility of type 1 diabetes.

This leads to a lack of insulin in the body. As the body’s own defence or immune system causes the destruction, this type of diabetes disease is known as an auto-immune disease.

The natural insulin then must be substituted by manufactured insulin. This insulin can only be absorbed if it is given by injection.

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes before it is Diagnosed

• Feeling thirsty more often
• Urinating more frequently
• Feeling tired all the time
• Losing weight with no explanation
• Vomiting

The Person with Diabetes May Not Have All These Symptoms

Management

To successfully manage type 1 diabetes the body must be given insulin. This is done by regular insulin injections, and involves:

• Taking Insulin as Required
• Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels
• Exercising Regularly
• Eating Healthy Foods
• Examining Feet Daily for any Sores, Calluses or Cuts
• Regular Health Checks

Reviewing Insulin Dosage and Times

The Doctor will advise how often the insulin dosage needs to be reviewed.

Long Term Complications

A lot can be done to prevent damage and long-term complications if there is early detection and prompt treatment of problems.

High blood glucose levels for a long time can affect the blood vessels, nerves, heart, eyes, kidneys and also sexual health.

They can result in heart attacks, strokes, blindness and amputation.

Next: Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin comes from beta cells in the pancreas.

Insulin is needed to help glucose move from the blood into the body’s cells to give the body energy.

In type 2 diabetes the beta cells in the pancreas are still producing insulin but the insulin is unable to open the doors to the cells properly.

The glucose can’t move out of the blood into the cells. This can cause blood glucose levels to rise slowly. The person then develops diabetes.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of having type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Before it is Diagnosed

The person may have none, some, or all of these symptoms. The symptoms may come on over time. They include:

• Urinating more frequently
• Feeling thirsty more often
• Feeling tired all the time
• Fuzzy vision
• Often having skin infections and rashes
• Impotence
• Tingling sensation in fingers and toes
• Dry skin all the time.

Management

To successfully manage type 2 diabetes the insulin must be made to work properly again.

This can be achieved by exercising, losing weight, medication, and eating healthy food.

Some people manage their type 2 diabetes by exercise and diet and. Others will need to take medication and possibly insulin.

Daily management involves:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating healthy foods
• Having regular health checks
• Examining feet daily for sores, calluses or cuts
• Monitoring blood glucose levels as recommended
• Taking medication and insulin for type 2 diabetes if prescribed

Diabetes Medication and Type 2 Diabetes

If the blood glucose levels are not being controlled by exercise and diet the doctor may prescribe medication.

Most medications have side effects.

Discuss with the Doctor which side effects may be experienced. Often blood pressure and blood fat-lowering tablets will also be required.

Diabetes and Insulin and Type 2 Diabetes

If the blood glucose levels are not being controlled by medications, exercise and diet, the doctor may prescribe insulin.

Hypos and Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 2 diabetes who are most commonly at risk of having a hypo (low blood glucose levels) are those who are prescribed Sulphonylurea medications or insulin.

Other Health Problems with Type 2 Diabetes

Most people with type 2 diabetes will have other health problems associated with the condition.

These people are often overweight or obese.

They may have abnormal blood fat levels (high bad cholesterol & triglycerides) and high blood pressure.

Each can lead to heart disease and should be monitored by the doctor.

Reviewing the Medication

The Doctor will advise how often the diabetes medication needs to be reviewed.

Long-Term Complications

A lot can be done to prevent damage and long-term complications with early detection and prompt treatment of problems.

High blood glucose levels can affect the blood vessels, nerves, heart, eyes, kidneys and sexual health.

They can result in heart attack, stroke, blindness and amputation.