Diabetes and Heart Health

Diabetes and Heart Health

More and more people are diagnosed with diabetes every day. In fact, Diabetes UK tells us that 3.2 million people in the United Kingdom alone suffer from the disease; however, statistics also show that a rough estimate of 630,000 Britons are living with diabetes without even knowing it.

More and more people are diagnosed with diabetes every day. In fact, Diabetes UK tells us that 3.2 million people in the United Kingdom alone suffer from the disease; however, statistics also show that a rough estimate of 630,000 Britons are living with diabetes without even knowing it. We often hear from people looking for help with the condition from our online chemist shop, so today we explain more about the disease itself.


What Is Diabetes?


This is actually a shortened version of the term diabetes mellitus. The name is coined from the Greek word diabetes which means “passing through” and the Latin word mellitus which means “sweet”, in reference to the excessive levels of sugar found in the blood and urine of diabetics.


How It Works


To further understand the effects of the disease, we need to learn how the body functions. This process begins as we eat, and food passes through our digestive systems where it is broken down into energy that our cells use.


This energy source is a simple sugar we call glucose, a key source of energy for our body's cells. Every organism, from bacteria to humans, uses a similar process to extract energy from fuel to perform day-to-day activities.


 


FACT#1


Glucose isn't actually that sweet. Despite the name, this type of sugar is different from sucrose, the sugar we usually use in the kitchen.


 


Our body needs insulin to allow glucose to enter cells, however. So where does diabetes enter? There are actually two types involved.


Type 1


This is related to insulin deficiency, when the beta cells in the pancreas (which is responsible for producing it) make little or no insulin because it's mistakenly destroyed by our own immune system. Type 1 is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.


Type 2


Referred to as the most common type of diabetes, 90% of those diagnosed with the disease have this type. In this case, the beta cells are unable to produce enough insulin to regulate normal sugar levels, or your body isn't properly responding to insulin.


Without proper direction, glucose could not enter cells, leaving them unused and building up in our blood. This then causes what we call “high blood sugar”.


 


FACT#2


Not all people can feel the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar leaving so many people suffer without proper treatment. Blood testing is the best way to know for sure.


Find a diabetes testing kit here.


 


Causes and Risk Factors



  • Family History

  • Ethnicity

  • Age of over 45

  • Overweight or Obesity

  • Low Physical Activity


While the first three are uncontrolled factors, the last two definitely entail making essential lifestyle changes. Did you know that there is also what we call “prediabetes”? This is the term for an illness that is in danger of developing into mature diabetes. If you are diagnosed with this, then it is the best time to take action. Although there isn't a cure for diabetes, taking medication for high blood pressure and other preventative measures can help to control the effects of the disease.


Common Signs and Symptoms


These are more associated to the type you develop over time rather than the type you are born with.



  • Blurred Vision

  • Tiredness or Extreme Fatigue

  • Highly Thirsty

  • Frequent Urination

  • Slow Healing of Cuts, Wounds and Infections


Diabetes Management


Just like many diseases, diabetes will constantly change requiring you to adjust your care plan in order to properly treat it. Monitoring your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood fat levels are critical determinants to help prevent further complications. Equip yourself with a test kit and blood pressure monitor so you won't have to visit your local health provider all the time.


Are you willing to start your treatment today? Get in touch with Life Pharmacy to process your NHS prescription online or see which of our products might help. Send us a message through our contact page or call us at 0207 511 8292 to discuss your options.

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