THERE are currently around 5,500 people diagnosed with diabetes in Bury and it is estimated that there are over 3,000 more people in Bury with diabetes who have the condition and don't know it.

Diabetes mellitus is a progressive condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread and rice, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach) that helps the body use the glucose as fuel.

Diabetes is usually caused as a result of the pancreas not producing enough (or any) insulin or by the body being unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance).

If diabetes is not treated it can cause long-term health problems because the high glucose levels in the blood damages the blood vessels.

Diabetes types There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes develops if the body produces little or no insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can't make enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produces does not work properly.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include

Increased thirst

Going to the toilet to pass urine excessively

Extreme tiredness

Weight loss

Blurred vision caused by the lens of your eye becoming very dry

Slow healing of wounds

In Type 1 diabetes the signs and symptoms will usually be very obvious.

In Type 2 diabetes the signs and symptoms may not be so obvious. In both types of diabetes, the symptoms are quickly relieved with treatment. Early treatment will also reduce the chances of developing serious health problems.

Causes and risk factors

Type 1 diabetes develops when the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed. It is not clear why this happens, however, the most likely cause is an abnormal reaction of the body to the cells, which may be triggered by a viral or other infection.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

A close member of your family has type 2 diabetes

Being overweight - 80 per cent of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight

Woman with polycystic ovary syndrome who are overweight are at greater risk

If you have been diagnosed with any circulation problems, previously had a heart attack or stroke, or if you have high blood pressure

Being over the age of 40

People with an African-Caribbean or Asian background are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes

Diagnosis

Diabetes cannot be cured, but you can control the symptoms in order to help prevent health problems developing later on in life. It is important to diagnose diabetes as early as possible so that you can start treatment. If you experience symptoms, you should see your GP or healthcare professional as soon as possible. A urine sample and blood test will be the starting point of diagnosis.

Management

Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be treated very successfully. The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels as near to normal as possible. This together with a healthy lifestyle will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries.

Management of type 1 diabetes involves regular insulin injections in order to keep glucose levels normal. Blood glucose levels should be checked regularly and to help reduce the level of glucose in the blood, a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are recommended.

Type 2 diabetes can usually be managed through medication and by making changes to your diet, losing weight (if you are overweight) and taking regular exercise. Blood glucose levels should also be checked regularly.

Any individual with diabetes will need to see their GP or Diabetes Nurse for regular check-ups.

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you are at risk of developing heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. To reduce the chance of this, you may be advised to take other medications such as for example statins which reduce cholesterol levels.

Prevention You may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if it runs in your family, or if you are overweight and do not get enough regular exercise.

Therefore to help prevent diabetes, you should eat a healthy balanced diet and take regular exercise. A healthy diet is one that is low in saturated fat, salt and sugary snacks and drinks. Try to eat regular meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar level constant, and eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Stopping smoking and reducing your alcohol intake will also help.

All people with diabetes who are using insulin or taking hypoglycaemic agents should carry identification.

Further information Bury PCT has a multidisciplinary Diabetes Team including Diabetes Specialist Nurses and Diabetes Specialist Dietitians The PCT runs a range of training opportunities for patients with diabetes A retinopathy screening programme runs in Bury Bury Diabetic Support Group is a self-help group for people living with diabetes, their carers and families. The group meets monthly.

There is an open membership, no charge and the group offers support and a means to exchange views, problems and listen to and meet guest speakers on topics relating to diabetes.

For further information please contact Geoff Goldberg on 0161 796 5165 or e-mail burydiabetic@yahoo.com www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 0845 46 47

Case study

Geoffrey Goldberg (Chairman of the Bury Diabetic Support Group) from Bury talks about his experience of living with diabetes.

"I was diagnosed with diabetes 17 years ago.

"Over a 24 hour period, my sight started to blur and at the end of the day became almost surreal.

"I was diagnosed as having diabetes. I had never really been sick, was exceptionally active and at the time was not really overweight.

"It took about a year for me to get over the initial feeling of disappointment. Being diagnosed with diabetes had a huge impact on my way of life and my career which after over 40 years in a well enjoyed profession was very hard.

"Diabetes needs attention, whether it is controlled by diet, medication or insulin, but life does go on and you learn how to manage it.

"Diabetes to me now is nothing to be frightened of.

"It is no more than being aware, being careful, being exact about medication and listening to medical professionals, being sensible and keeping positive.

"There is so much assistance available, not just from the medical profession but from self-help groups, diet support but most of all the support and understanding of family and friends."