Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how the body breaks food down into sugar (glucose). There are two types of diabetes, one of which is an autoimmune response whereby cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are attacked (Type 1), and the other is when the body becomes resistant to insulin and/or is unable to produce enough insulin (Type 2).
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the more common of the two forms and is usually associated with living an unhealthy lifestyle (such as a poor diet, not having enough exercise and being overweight). Those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes will typically be given a diet and exercise plan to follow to help manage their blood sugar level.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is the less common, but more serious, form of diabetes that requires constant management. Those who have been diagnosed as being Type 1 diabetic may have previously been Type 2, with their diabetes progressing into Type 1 through poor management of the condition.
Where Type 2 diabetes is reversible through good management (inclusive of a healthy diet and exercise), Type 1 is irreversible and is a condition that those diagnosed with will live with for the rest of their lives. This will mean there is the need for multiple observations every day to manage symptoms.
What are the Signs of Diabetes?
Some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes are the same for both Type 1 and Type 2. These can include:
- Hunger
- Fatigue
- Excessive Thirst
- Dry/itchy skin
- Tingling sensation in feet (similar to pins and needles)
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent need to urinate
Female-only symptoms:
- Oral thrush
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Itching and soreness in the vagina
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Male-only symptoms:
- Impotence
- Decreased sex drive
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Reduced testosterone levels
How do You Get Diabetes?
Diabetes is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. This means that diabetes is hereditary, so if there is a history of diabetes in the family then there is an increased risk of developing the condition. Not everyone who inherits the gene will develop Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, but a poor lifestyle does put you at an increased risk.
What Can Diabetics Eat?
Food is a major cause of concern for diabetics, as well as for friends and families of diabetics, especially shortly after receiving a diagnosis. While you should always be mindful of your nutrition, there is not specifically one type of food that a diabetic cannot enjoy, as long as it is in moderation. That means that diabetics can continue to enjoy a slice of honey on toast and the odd square of chocolate, as long as it is part of a healthy, balanced diet.
How KASE Care Support Those Living with Diabetes
As part of our specialist care services, KASE Care’s team of care professionals can work with the service user and their family to create a tailored care plan. This will be inclusive of a nutritional and exercise plan, held with managing blood glucose levels, which can be highly stressful, and assistance of self-administration of insulin if needed.
For more information on how we can provide the support required for you or a loved one, please get in touch with a member of our team today.
