Just the facts about diabetes

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Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disorder in which the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, does not produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs or the body cannot use the insulin that is produced properly.

? Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is required to ensure energy we receive from food is allowed to enter the bodies cells. When insulin is not available or not working properly, the energy from the food we eat stays in the blood stream and the blood sugar level rises.

? The most common type of diabetes is Type I or Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus, also know as IDDM; and Type II or Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus, also know as NIDDM; and Gestational diabetes.

? Symptoms of diabetes may vary, but the classic symptoms, particularly for Type II diabetes include frequent urination, unusual thirst, changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, irritability, abdominal cramps, and acetone breath.

? In many cases, people with Type II diabetes have no symptoms, and diabetes is discovered during routine check-ups or in connection with another problem.

? Type II diabetes usually diagnosed with severe symptoms and very high blood sugar levels. Additional symptoms may include frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts or bruises that are slow to heal, tingling or numbness in hands or feet,

recurring skin, gum or bladder infections and itchy skin.

For more information, contact the Canadian Diabetics Association or visit the CDA's web-site at www.diabetes.ca. Reprinted with permission of the Canadian Diabetes Association.