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What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly.
Types of diabetes?
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Type 1 diabetes - develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is the least common and affect between 5 - 15% of all people with diabetes.
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Type 2 diabetes - develops when the body can still make some insulin but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly. This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40. It is the most common and accounts for between 85 - 95% of all people with diabetes.
Our affluent and sedentary society has led to an increasing prevalence of obesity. This has caused an increase in the relative frequency of diabetes in the general population, particularly Type 2 diabetes in older adults. Type 2 diabetes can remain hidden and asymptomatic for many years.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
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Increased thirst
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Going to the toilet all the time especially at night
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Extreme tiredness
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Unexplained weight loss
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Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
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Blurred vision
Given that chronic damage to many of the body's organ systems can occur during this time, and that many patients presenting with Type 2 diabetes already have complications, screening for Type 2 diabetes should be an effective way to reduce the burden of this disease in the general population.
We also have offers available on selected blood glucose meters.
Contact your local Swettenham Chemists for screening, advice and support.