What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose [sugar] in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly.
Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is insulin dependent, where the body can't produce its own insulin; and Type 2, non-insulin dependent diabetes, in which the body can produce insulin, but not enough, or where the insulin produced doesn't work properly.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body.
Life can still be sweet with Canderel
We all know that it's important to maintain a healthy balanced diet which is high in fibre and low in sugar and fat, and just because you have diabetes, it doesn't mean that you have to miss out on the sweet things in life. This is where a sweetener such as Canderel can help.
Replacing sugar with Canderel is just one easy way to enjoy sweet foods and keep your sugar levels down.
Canderel is the UK's favourite sweetener. It's low in calories and, due to the tiny amount needed, it doesn't affect blood glucose levels.
Canderel has developed a full range of delicious dessert recipes which can be enjoyed by everyone - even if you are monitoring your sugar intake. Canderel understands that healthy eating can sometimes be a chore, which is why replacing sugar with Canderel can help you enjoy a little more of what you fancy without the consequences.
A common problem
In the UK, 2.2 million people have diabetes. Diabetes UK estimates that a further 1 million people are diabetic but don't realise it. Approximately 25% have Type 1 and 75% Type 2. At present almost 5% of Europeans, ie 22.5 million adults, have diabetes*. As in other areas throughout the world, Type 2 diabetes is on the increase.
Type 1 diabetes
This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is treated by insulin injections and diet.
Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst and excessive hunger
- Sudden weight-loss without apparent reason
- Weakness, sleepiness, fatigue
- Sudden change in vision or blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
Type 2 diabetes
This type of diabetes usually appears over the age of 40, though often appears before the age of 40 in South Asian and African-Caribbean groups. It is treated by diet alone or by diet and tablets or, by diet and insulin injections.
Symptoms
- Some of the symptoms given for Type 1
- Recurring or permanent infections on the skin, gums or urinary tract
- Weakness, drowsiness, fatigue
- Tingling or swelling of hands and feet
- Itchy skin or genitals
- Regular episodes of thrush
* Source: Diabetes UK website
Definition of the European region according to the International Federation of Diabetes: 463 million adults in 40 countries.
Source:2000 Diabetic Atlas from the International Federation of Diabetes.
Treatment
The secret of controlling diabetes is a healthy attitude and a healthy lifestyle. Although this may be difficult to begin with, changes in the way you live are necessary to prevent or reduce the risks and complications. When you are diabetic, knowledge is strength, enabling you to adapt your lifestyle to protect yourself.
Diet is an important factor in the treatment of diabetes and you can get a nutrition programme drawn up by a professional dietician. Exercise can also be included in your daily routine, and this is all the treatment some people need. Other diabetes sufferers may also need to take oral medication, or have insulin injections, to control the level of sugar in their blood.
Eating for good health
The diet for people with diabetes is not a special one. It is a normal, healthy diet recommended for everyone - high in fibre, low in sugar and fat.
What we eat directly affects our blood glucose levels and it can also influence the amount of fat [cholesterol] in the blood. It is important to eat the right foods to stay healthy - plenty of starchy foods like bread and potatoes and more fruit and vegetables.
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, a state-registered dietician can give individual advice on what foods to eat and how to adapt meals to make them healthier (no foods are banned).* You can be referred to a state registered dietician through your GP.
* Diabetes UK recommends that every person with diabetes should have access to a state-registered dietician for individual advice.