There are two main types of diabetes:

  • Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Type One Diabetes Mellitus
  • Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or Type Two Diabetes Mellitus

 Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

IDDM is an autoimmune disease, that is, it is a disease in which the immune system attacks the cells (pancreatic beta cells) that make insulin (pancreatic beta cells) . This means that the pancreas cannot make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows cells to take up glucose, an important source of fuel. The onset of IDDM typically occurs in children and teens and is treated with daily insulin injections.  The development of IDDM cannot be prevented.

Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)

NIDDM is more common than IDDM and it is typically diagnosed in adults. However, NIDDM is becoming more common in adolescents and children.

Causes 

 It is caused by the body's lack of ability to use insulin (insulin resistance), or the body's inability to produce enough insulin, or both. 

Your risk 

Your risk of developing NIDDM is increased if you: are overweight, have relatives with NIDDM, eat a high energy , high fat diet, and do not get regular exercise. Fortunately, your risk of becoming a type 2 diabetic can be reduced  by engaging in regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and losing weight (if you are overweight or obese).

Symptoms

 Symptoms may not appear for several years.

  • Increased appetite
  • More frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Weight loss
  • High  blood glucose 
  •  Fatigue
  •  Blurred vision
  • Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush 
  • Slow healing 

See Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adults  and Diabetes UK  for more information on diabetes.

Complications associated with diabetes

Short term complications

  • Hypoglycaemia - low blood glucose, which can be dangerous following alcohol consumption.

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis - this when the body produces ketones, which are harmful to the body.

  • Hyperosmolar non-ketotic acidosis - occurs in people with NIDDM experiencing very high blood glucose levels.  Symptoms can include: frequent urination, increased thirst, nausea, dry skin, disorientation, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

Long term complications 

  • Cardiovascular disease - this includes heart disease, stroke, and hardening and narrowingof the arteries supplying blood to the legs (peripheral vascular disease).   
  • Retinopathy - leads to damaged vision
  • Neuropathy - causes damage to nerves
  • Nephropathy  (kidney disease) - risk is increased in those with diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Diabetic Necrobiosis - an uncommon skin disorder associated with diabetes. The disorder appears as small oval dark red or browny yellow patches with a thick, shiny surface.
  • Diabetic mastopathy - is a rare disorder which toughens the breast tissue.
  • Musculoskeletal conditions - these are conditions that affect the muscles and/or the skeleton. These can occur in anyone, but diabetics are more likely to develop them.

See http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Complications/ for more information on diabetes and the complications linked with diabetes

Controlling diabetes 

  • Regular exercise - exercise reduces blood glucose, by increasing insulin sensitivity

  •  Eating regular, small meals - this stabilising blood glucose levels

  • Eating a diet low in fat, especially saturated fat (usually from animals)  and high in fibre