www.theblisspages.com - diabetes
www.theblisspages.com - diabetesLinks on this page: what is diabetes : useful websites : my progress : dietary supplements : exercise : hair today, blonde tomorrow... : herbal remedies : asda : massage : monitoring glucose levels : pet rescue : rally : smart tattoo : sugar and sweeteners : The Discovery of Insulin : world naked bike ride 2006 : world naked bike ride 2007 : driving and diabetic drugs : biguanides : sulphonylureas
I've pretty well come to terms with having type 2 diabetes. Although it was a bit of a shock, I couldn't
say it was totally a surprise. I'd been losing weight for a year whilst having a much larger appetite
than normal, so I knew something was amiss. Coupling that with my excessive thirst (up to 6 litres a
day), it seems that I'm a classic case. I found out in March 2002.
A normal level of glucose in the blood is 4-7 mmol/l. A level above 11.1 mmol/l is indicative of diabetes - mine was 25 mmol/l!
Please note: Information on this page is based on my own experiences and research, but I have no medical training. If you suspect you have diabetes, go to the doctor!
When you eat, your body turns your food into glucose (sugar) to use as fuel and normally a hormone (insulin) helps the glucose get into the cells.
With type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes, you don't make enough insulin, or perhaps none all all. It often appears in childhood. It is treated by insulin injections and diet.
With type 2 diabetes, sometimes called late onset diabetes, something goes wrong. Either you don't make enough insulin or cells ignore it. In either case, glucose builds up in the blood. Type 2 diabetes often appears in adults over forty but is increasingly appearing in childhood. With diet or sometimes with drugs (including insulin), blood sugar levels may be controlled, but there is no cure.
The best
site for sufferers in the UK appears to be Diabetes UK at www.diabetes.org.uk.
This charity used to be known as the British Diabetic Association. They campaign, produce a magazine
called Balance and sponsor research. I gave them a life membership, which saves
money as long as I survive for at least twelve years.
Diabetes UK also organises many local groups. My local groups are Burgess Hill & South Villages and Haywards Heath & District. They can be reached at Mid Sussex Diabetes Groups.
The www.diabetes.co.uk site is one source of information, though it appears to be a mirror of a Canadian site.
You may also find Diabetes Insight worth a look.
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: © Mike Bliss 2008