Diabetes 

Diabetes is a disease that causes the body to not store sugars for energy, instead they remain in the blood stream. This means that blood sugar remains high, which can lead to many health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease and eye damage.   

There are two types: 

• Type 1 most people have from birth or when they are a young adult.  This is where the pancreas does not produce insulin, therefore it has to be injected.   
• Type 2 mostly affects adults.  This is where the pancreas doesn’t make enough or doesn’t use insulin well.  Risk factors include being overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes.  Treatments can include diet/lifestyle or medication.    

Symptoms of diabetes include feeling tired, increased hunger or thirst, losing weight without trying, urinating often, or having trouble with blurred vision.  If you are concerned, speak with your doctor. 

If you already have diabetes, you should: 

• Control your diet 
• Manage your blood pressure 
• Manage your cholesterol 
• Stop smoking 
• Get a yearly eye examination 
• Check your kidneys yearly 
• Get flu shots every year and the pneumonia vaccine 
• Care for your teeth and gums 
• Look after your feet 
• Talk with your doctor about your concerns 

Ryan Hodgkinson