Diabetes is a chronic (long term) condition characterised by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It results from insufficient or a lack of insulin production.
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas which allows glucose from food to be converted into energy. This process is called glucose metabolism.
In diabetes, the pancreas either cannot make insulin or the insulin it does make is not sufficient and glucose metabolism cannot take place. Consequently glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood glucose levels, which in turn causes related health problems.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 (formerly known as insulin dependent) diabetes—most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. People with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin and require insulin injections to control their blood glucose levels.
- Type 2 (formerly known as non-insulin dependent) diabetes—typically occurs in adults over 40 years of age but is increasingly affecting all ages, including children. People with type 2 do not produce sufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes often responds to a healthy eating plan, appropriate exercise and weight reduction, but sometimes tablets or insulin injections may also be required.
Symptoms and characteristics:
In type 1 diabetes, symptoms are often sudden and can be life threatening without appropriate treatment.
In type 2 diabetes, many people have no symptoms at all, while other signs can go unnoticed. By the time symptoms are noticed, associated health problems or complications may already be present.
Common symptoms include:
- being more thirsty than usual
- passing more urine
- feeling tired and lethargic
- always feeling hungry
- having cuts that heal slowly
- itching and skin infections
- blurred vision
- unexplained weight loss (type 1)
- gradually putting on weight (type 2)
- mood swings
- headaches
- feeling dizzy
- leg cramps.
Associated health problems or complications can include:
- damage to both large and small blood vessels throughout the body potentially leading to heart attack or stroke and/or causing problems within the eyes, kidneys, feet and nerves
- impacts on other parts of the body such as the digestive system, skin and immune systems
- being more prone to thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels).
For more information on some of these symptoms and characteristics, follow these links:
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
In the workplace there are various factors that would greatly assist those with diabetes to better manage their symptoms. These include:
- flexibility within the work role to allow short, regular breaks throughout the day for small snacks or to manage medication needs
- allowing a safe location for medication storage within the workplace (may require refrigeration)
- provision of a private location in which blood sugar levels can be checked and medication self administered
- education for colleagues or first aid officers regarding what to do in case of complications such as hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
- consideration given to suitability of job role, such as avoiding extremes of temperature or working in a role which allows breaks from heavy or strenuous work (Diabetes Australia 2009).
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Diabetes Australia 2009, Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetes Australia, Canberra, viewed 21 January 2009, <http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Understanding-Diabetes/What-is-Diabetes/Type-1-Diabetes/>.
Diabetes Australia 2009, Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes Australia, Canberra, viewed 21 January 2009, <http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/en/Understanding-Diabetes/What-is-Diabetes/Type-2-Diabetes/>.
Diabetes Australia 2009, Diabetes and Work, Diabetes Australia, Canberra, viewed 21 January 2009, <http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Living-with-Diabetes/Everyday-Life/Diabetes--Work/#4437>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 15 April 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.