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DIABETES
Please note that diabetes can exist as two
very different types - insulin dependent (type 1) and non-insulin dependent (type 2). Although our fundraising efforts are
dedicated to help both types, it is insulin-dependent that I suffer from and therefore I feel I am better suited to inform
of this type.
Non-Diabetics
Every human body requires a certain amount of energy
at certain times, depending on the task(s) it is being asked to perform. This energy comes in the form of carbohydrates, namely
sugar. If this required level of energy (sugar) is either not reached or exceeded, the body must combat this. If there is
an insufficient amount of sugar in the bloodstream - either by excessive excersise or lack of carbohydrate consumption, the
body releases it's own energy deposits, usually in the form of glycogen, which then gets turned into glucose (common sugar)
in the bloodstream. If there is too much sugar in the bloodstream at a given time, insulin is released which removes the excess
sugar from the bloodstream. The release of glycogen or insulin into the bloodstream is governed by different structures in
the pancreas. In a non-diabetic, the pancreas will release what is required as and when it is required.
Diabetics
In cases of diabetes, the pancreas does not function
properly - ie. it cannot produce insulin. This is why diabetics, before they are diagnosed have exceptionally high
blood glucose readings. They may need to drink a lot or urinate a lot - this is the body trying to 'flush out' this excess
sugar. The level of glucose in the bloodstream must therefore be closely monitored and insulin must be injected up to 4 or
5 times a day and foods containing high quantities of sugar must either be viewed as a 'treat' once in a while or excluded
from the diet altogether. Sufficient excersise must also be performed.
Living With Diabetes
Diabetes is probably not as difficult to live with
as some people would have you believe. The first year or two will demand a lot of learning and willpower but thankfully, it's
one of these things that gets easier the longer you have it. I inject insulin twice a day and check my blood glucose reading
at least once a day. Non-diabetics will have a reading of between 4 and 5mmol/l. Anything between 4 and 7mmol/l is seen as
normal. However, as a diabetic, I have had readings as low as 0.8 (called hypoglacaemia) and as high as pushing 30mmol/l (hyperglacaemia). Regular
hospital appointments are also required.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH I HAVE HAD DIABETES FOR
NEARLY 15 YEARS, I AM BY NO MEANS AN EXPERT AND WHILE ALL THE INFORMATION IN THIS PAGE IS ACCURATE, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT
YOUR LOCAL GP OR HOSPITAL FOR PROPER ADVICE.
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| The situation of the pancreas (www.massgeneral.org) |
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| Typical blood glucose testing meter and needle (www.onlinecanadameds.com) |
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| Typical insulin injection, needle and method of injection (www.rch.org.au) |
DIABETESUK
Registered Charity Number:
215199
There are a great number of hard-working and dedicated
charities to diabetes related causes, one of which is DiabetesUK.
They are obviously based in United Kingdom and perform a number of wonderful
things that all help to try and research a cure. Indeed, we are keeping in very close contact with DiabetesUK for the duration
of this funding expedition. They have offered us a great amount of help - as they offer to the millions across the country
who suffer from the condition - the victims and their families. They release a free magazine every month, called Balance which
tells of all their latest news and activities. To visit their website, please see the 'Links' page or click the icon
below.
| THE CHARITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES |
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| Click the image to find out more about DiabetesUK |
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