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Written by Carol Burns
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Glucose, a form of sugar carried in the bloodstream, is a
vital source
of energy. For the body to function efficiently, however, levels must
be kept within narrow limits. Too much glucose in the blood indicates
development of the ailment known as diabetes mellitus. Its symptoms are
thirst, frequent urination due to excess glucose, weight loss,
tiredness, recurrent infections, problems with vision, and, in severe
cases, coma. Too little glucose, resulting in low blood sugar, or
HYPOGLYCEMIA, can also result in a coma.
Carbohydrates - sugary or starchy foods such as chocolates, cakes,
biscuits, bread and potatoes, or fruit and jam - send up the levels of
sugars in the blood. Under normal circumstances, a proper balance is
soon restored through the action of insulin - a hormone produced by the
pancreas.
If the body's output of insulin is too low, or the insulin produced is
ineffective, the blood glucose remains high. This is how hyperglycemia
(high blood sugar) is caused.
Excess glucose in the blood is excreted. Consequently, one test for
diabetes is to measure the level of glucose in the urine. Treatment
always involves a carefully controlled and healthily balanced diet that
restricts the patient's intake of simple carbohydrates and reduces
concentrated sugar and sugary drinks.
Diabetes takes two main forms:
Type 1 or insulin-dependant diabetes
mellitus (IDDM, formerly referred to as juvenile onset
diabetes)
usually develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can develop at any
age. Type 2 or non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), as its
former description - late onset diabetes - implies, tends to be much
more common among older people. Type 1 stems from an inability of the
pancreas to produce insulin because of damaged or destroyed cells
through an auto-immune response. (That is when the body's mechanisms
for protecting itself against foreign organisms turn against its own
healthy tissue.) This form of diabetes must be treated regularly with
insulin injections. Diet plays no part in causing type 1 diabetes,
although breast-feeding may offer some protection against it
developing.
A viral infection such as German measles is thought to be the trigger
for an auto-immune response.
Type 2 diabetes, which affects some 15% of the UK
population over the
age of 50, results from reduced recognition of insulin by the body
tissues, which in the early stages causes the pancreas to raise insulin
levels to compensate. Common causes are lack of exercise and being
overweight. It can often be treated by diet alone, although some
sufferers need medication. In later stages of type 2 the over-worked
pancreas fails to maintain the necessary blood levels of insulin, and
then injections of the hormone may be required. Weight reduction is
very important for type 2 diabetic people.
It is essential for both groups of diabetics to eat regularly to
prevent low blood sugar levels. Some insulin-dependant diabetics need
to eat every 2 or 3 hours and may also require snacks between meals. If
hypoglycemia occurs, glucose is needed as soon as possible.
All diabetics should carry a card describing their treatment and
stating the measures to be taken in an emergency.
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