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Diabetes

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DIABETES
Definition:
Diabetes is a condition where the body fails to utilize ingested glucose. Most of what we eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the blood – it is the principal source of fuel for our bodies. It’s a metabolism disorderthat causes excessive thirst and production of large amounts of urine because the kidneys fail to conserve water. Metabolism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy and growth.
When our food is digested, the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. Our cells use the glucose for energy and growth. However, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being present.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. Insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in glucose.

Types of Diabetes
There are three (3) main types of diabetes. They are Type 1Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes.
Patients with Type 1 Diabetes usually develop this type of diabetes before their 40th year, often in adulthood or teenage years. In this case, the body does not produce insulin. Some people refer to this type as insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes.
Patients with Type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections for the rest of their life. They must also ensure proper blood-glucose levels by carrying out regular blood tests and following a special diet.
Under Type 2 Diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function or the cells in the body do not react to insulin (insulin resistance). Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes are of this type.
Some people may be able to control their type 2 diabetes symptoms by losing weight, following a healthy diet, doing plenty of exercise and monitoring their blood glucose levels. However, type 2 diabetes is typically a progressive disease – it gradually gets worse – and the

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