Diabetes Explained

Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Our bodies rely on blood glucose for energy. Blood glucose levels are normally regulated by a hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas.

Insulin stimulates the body’s cells to use glucose as energy. When a person has diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, or the cells don’t respond to the hormone. Latest research has shown that in the Australian population aged 25 years or older, 7.5 per cent have diabetes. The risk of diabetes increases with age, from 2.5 per cent in people aged between 35-45 years to 23.6 per cent in those over 75. Aboriginal people have one of the highest rates of Type 2 diabetes in the world.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 (Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus):

Is caused by an autoimmune destruction of insulin-making cells in the pancreas, which Is one of the most common childhood diseases in developed nations. Can occur at any age.

Type 2 (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus):

Is caused by either inadequate levels of insulin or insulin that doesn’t work effectively in the body. Often, but not always, associated with obesity, particularly around the abdomen or upper body. Found in families, but no specific genes have been found. Responsible for 85 to 90 per cent of all diabetes in developed countries. Most common after the age of 40, although the age of onset can be earlier.

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