Diabetes is a condition whereby there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Normally we produce a hormone called insulin (produced
by cells in the pancreas gland) which allows the glucose
which we take in our food to be used by the body for
energy. In diabetes, there is either a lack of insulin
or the insulin that is present does not work properly.
Too much glucose then stays in the bloodstream and
cannot
be used by the body for energy. This is why many people
with diabetes are diagnosed after visiting the doctor
complaining of feeling tired or ill.
Type 2 diabetes tends to occur in people over the age
of 40 although in certain cases and populations it can
occur at a younger age. The pancreas still produces
insulin but not enough to meet all of the body’s
requirements, or the insulin it does produce does not
work properly. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 85%
of all cases of diabetes.
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Last Updated 16/09/2008 08:16:00
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