Diabetes Mellitus (or just diabetes) is a condition, where the amount of sugar (glucose) contained in the blood is too high for the body to use efficiently. The body has a process of converting glucose into energy - a hormone (insulin) made by the gland called the pancreas controls the amount of glucose in the blood. Insulin plays a vital role in regulating the level of blood glucose and particularly stopping the blood glucose from rising too high.

The pancreas helps the glucose enter the cells and is used as fuel by the body. Glucose is obtained from the foods we eat such as sweet foods or from the digestion process from foods like potatoes, bread and pasta. After eating, blood glucose level rises from the foods and insulin is released into the blood. During physical activity, the blood glucose level falls and the level of insulin falls.

There are two known types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2:

Type 1 Diabetes 
Insulin-dependent diabetes - Treated by insulin injections and diet. This form of diabetes is usually found in people under the age of 40 and often in childhood. Most of or all of the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin have been destroyed causing a severe lack of insulin in the body.

Type 2 Diabetes
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes - Treated by a combination of medication and diet, or diet and insulin injections, or by diet alone. This form of diabetes is usually found in people over the age of 40. The body still produces insulin but may be not enough for the body's needs or may not work effectively.

Symptoms of Diabetes
In Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms may not always be easily recognised but some symptoms are:

. Increased thirst
. Increased need to go to the toilet - especially at night
. Extreme tiredness
. Weight loss
. Blurred vision 

Medical Check Up
If you are over 40, regular medical check ups are important because people with diabetes have a higher chance of developing other serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and damage to the kidneys and the eyes. More improved screening methods assist in detection of diabetes.

Reduce your Risk of Diabetes The risk of diabetes is particularly high in people who are overweight and are physically inactive, and in people who smoke. The risk is greatly reduced of developing diabetes and the other serious health problems associated with diabetes by controlling blood glucose and blood pressure levels and by maintaining a healthy diet and by doing regular physical exercise.