Diabetes
Screening for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
Screening is done routinely whenever you attend for a health check or if you have any symptoms that might possibly be linked to diabetes, especially if you are severely overweight or have an unexpected infection.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose (sugar) levels become too high. This may be caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin or because the cells in the body do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone that stops blood sugar from getting too high.
Managing Diabetes
Once you are diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes it is important to reduce the blood glucose levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent the cells in the body being damaged by high glucose levels.
Diabetes can increase your risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney damage and nerve damage.
Once your diabetes is under control, you will be invited to attend the diabetic clinic at least twice a year for blood tests and review of your general health, especially blood pressure. In the clinic you will have the opportunity to discuss your diet and lifestyle. You may also be prescribed tablets to help reduce the glucose levels. Some people will need insulin injections. You may also be referred to a diabetes specialist.For more information on diabetes, see: