Diabetes is a condition where a person’s blood sugar levels become too high. The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin. Insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into cells so that its broken down to produce energy.
There are two types of diabetes, type 2 is more common than type 1.
- Type 1 is a lifelong condition where the body’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin.
- Type 2 is where the body does not produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells do not react naturally to insulin.
In some cases if diabetes isn’t well managed, it can cause damage to the nerves in the feet and also diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina. If this happens you may develop retinal scarring and detachments, poor central vision and even permanent vision loss.
Diabetes can however be well managed through diet, regular exercise and through regular blood tests, eye examinations and medication.