Diabetes: most asked questions
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease. For our bodies to work properly, we need to convert sugar into energy. A hormone called insulin is essential for the conversion of glucose (sugar) into energy. With diabetes, insulin is no longer produced in sufficient amounts by the body, or the insulin produced is not working properly.
Can you ‘catch’ diabetes?
No. Diabetes cannot be ‘caught’ from other people. Eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes. About one million Australians have diabetes, however, about half of these don’t know it. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Diabetes can still cause damage to the body even in people who don’t realise they’ve got it. Early detection and treatment may prevent problems.
At what age do you get diabetes?
Anyone can get diabetes at any age. There are 2 main types of diabetes.
- Type 1, or insulin dependent diabetes, which usually affects young people and requires daily injections of insulin.
- Type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes, which usually affects people over 45 years, and can be managed by healthy eating and regular exercise. Tablets and insulin injections are sometimes necessary. This second type is the more common form of diabetes.
How can I tell if I have diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes include:
- feeling tired;
- passing urine frequently;
- feeling constantly thirsty;
- blurred vision;
- itching of the skin or genital area;
- slow healing infections; and
- numbness and tingling in the hands or feet.
Sometimes these problems come quickly, other times slowly. If any of these problems are bothering you, see your doctor who can test you for diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes often feel unwell for long periods without knowing why.
Can diabetes be cured?
Diabetes can’t be cured, however it can be managed through lifestyle, tablets or insulin along with help and advice from your doctor and other health professionals.
Last Reviewed: 08 July 2003
