Information » Health » Health and Body Matters » Diabetes

• Diabetes is caused when the pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone insulin. Diabetes can also occur if the body is not able to use insulin properly.
  

• Insulin transforms the glucose in your blood into the energy you need. Without insulin, your glucose levels would build up in your blood.

There are two types of diabetes:

• insulin dependent diabetes when sufferers need to inject themselves with insulin to help turn the glucose into energy
  

• non-insulin dependent diabetes when sufferers need to stick to a balanced diet

Causes of diabetes

• Over-eating or being overweight
  

• Not enough exercise
  

• Family history

Symptoms of diabetes

• Needing to urinate excessively
  

• Feeling thirsty
  

• Extreme fatigue
  

• Weight loss
  

• Recurrent thrush
  

• Itchy genitals
  

• Blurred vision

If you suspect you may be diabetic, please visit your GP as soon as you can