O MeA e tAtAU OnA e IlOA - Australian Diabetes Council

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What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high.
Glucose is your body’s main energy source but when blood glucose is too high over long
periods it can damage certain organs.
Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods that are broken down and released into the
bloodstream. Carbohydrate foods include bread, rice, potatoes, fruit and milk.
The pancreas, a part of the body that is found behind the stomach, releases a hormone
called insulin into the blood stream. Insulin allows the glucose to move from the blood
stream into certain cells of the body, where it is changed into energy. We use this energy to
walk, talk, think, and carry out many other activities.
Diabetes occurs when there is either no insulin, not enough insulin or the insulin that is
produced is not working properly to move the glucose out of the blood. .
Currently there is no cure for diabetes.
Symptoms of high blood glucose (sugar)
1. Frequent urination (both night and day)
2. Thirst / dry mouth
3. Tiredness / lack of energy
4. Blurred vision
5. Slow healing of wounds
6. Infections e.g. urine and skin
7. Tingling sensation in feet
8. Itchy skin
Types of diabetes
The most common types of diabetes include:
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
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