1. Diabetes Mellitus
Leanne, Rhi and Fern

2. What is it?
There are two different types of diabetes, type 1 and 2. ‘It is a disorder of the metabolism causing excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of urine’. The pancreas also struggles with producing insulin.

3. Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is caused when the insulin producing cells within the body have been destroyed and the body can no longer produce it. The diabetes can be triggered by a virus or infection and is common within people under 40, especially children. In-between 5-15% of the population with this diabetes receive insulin injections, a healthy diet and regular physical exercise.

4. Type 2
Type 2 develops when the body can still produce some insulin but not enough or when the insulin does not work properly. It usually appears in people over the age of 40 and 85-85% of people with the condition are treated through healthy eating and physical exercise but medication with insulin is often required.

5. What can happen if it is left untreated?
If diabetes is left undiagnosed it result in far more severe health problems for the individual in question. It can cause blindness through sugar levels and neuropathy meaning the individual can cut his own foot and not even know it is bleeding.

6. What should someone with diabetes do?
Relief of stress by relaxation exercises or yoga
Increased physical activity
Stop smoking and tobacco consumption in any form
Stop alcohol consumption or limiting it to small quantities
Eating at regular intervals, and in proper quantities and ensure a balanced intake of all nutrients
Drastically reduce intake of saturated fats and simple sugars
Weight reduction if you are overweight

7. Foods to avoid
A diabetic person should avoid any foods high in carbohydrates as these can have the most immediate effect on a persons blood sugar level. Also foods high in sodium should be avoided as these can have an effect on a persons blood pressure.

8. Effects diabetes has on nutritional health.
A person with diabetes would have to make changes to their lifestyle. As well as maintaining a well balanced diet they have to monitor the amount of carbohydrates that they consume, this will then help them to manage their blood sugar levels. Also for a diabetic it is important that they exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.