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Diabetes Mellitus is a common lifelong health condition characterised by high blood sugar levels resulting from absolute or relative impairment in insulin secretion and/or insulin action. It is estimated that 552 million people worldwide will have diabetes by 2030.
(Insulin: is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for helping our bodies to use glucose (sugar) for energy)
There are two types of Diabetes Mellitus:
Type I: develops when the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are unable to produce any insulin
Type II: develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (insulin resistance).
Symptoms of Diabetes include:
As mentioned above, people with type I diabetes cannot produce any insulin. Therefore, these people will need insulin to allow their body to process glucose and avoid any health complications associated with raised blood glucose levels. Insulin can be delivered in different ways. For example, insulin injections using a pen or a syringe and insulin pump therapy. Doctors will help diabetic patients to find the most appropriate type of insulin based on their health needs and lifestyle.
All carbohydrate is converted into glucose. Therefore, carbohydrate intake is a main nutritional consideration for glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetes. Therefore, people with type I diabetes may want to get advice from a registered dietitian in order to increase their carbohydrate counting* knowledge and improve their glycemic control.
*Carbohydrate Counting-is a technique which allows insulin dose to be matched to the amount of carbohydrate that people with diabetes eat or drink. Consequently, it provides flexibility in time and amount eaten at each mealtime.
To be able to count carbohydrate patients need to have the practical knowledge to recognise carbohydrate and also to know how much insulin needed in order to much carbohydrates eaten. At this point I would like to recommend you a book which may help you regarding carbohydrate counting and portion control named Carbs & Cals by Chris Cheyette. This book is also recommended by DIABETES UK ().
Type II Diabetes Mellitus: it is the most common form of diabetes and it is often associated with obesity. Type II diabetes is usually managed through lifestyle interventions which can improve weight management, glycaemic control and reduce the risk of macrovascular events (e.g. target lipid levels and blood pressure levels). Newly diagnosed patients with type II diabetes can manage their condition by eating a healthy balanced diet, increase their activity levels and monitoring their blood glucose in a regular basis. However, if the patients are not engaging with the lifestyle changes and guidelines they might eventually need medication because type II diabetes is a progressive condition. The medication in patients with type II diabetes is usually in the form of tables but insulin might be needed for better diabetes management in some patients.
Hypoglycaemia: is a condition characterised by abnormally low blood glucose levels (less than 4 mmol/l). This is too low to provide enough energy for the body’s activities.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia (“hypo”) include:
Causes of hypoglycaemia:
Recheck blood glucose levels after 15-20 minutes.
If hypoglycaemia continues, repeat ONE of the above treatments.
Following a “hypo” treatment and when you start to feel better eat some starchy food. For example, a piece of fruit (e.g. banana), cereal or sandwich.
Monitoring Blood Glucose
It is of highly importance that glucose levels are as near normal as possible.
Normal blood glucose levels are:
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and DIABETES UK,
-Adults with Type 1 diabetes (NICE 2015) should aim for:
•4–7 mmol/l (before meals)
• 5–9 mmol/l (90 minutes after meals)
-Adults Type 2 diabetes (NICE 2008)
•4–7 mmol/l (before meals)
•less than 8.5 mmol/l (two hours after meals)
HbA1c Target levels
HbA1c is a blood test which indicates your blood glucose levels for the previous 2-3 months. For most adults with diabetes HbA1c target is 48 mmol/l.
**A registered dietitian can help you manage your diabetes in many different ways. For example, education sessions about carbohydrate counting, monitoring of blood glucose/lipid levels, monitoring of blood pressure and lifestyle modifications in order to prevent any health complications related with poorly diabetes management.
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