Diabetes. There are two forms of Diabetes know as type 1 and type 2. Both of which are similar in the sense that blood glucose concentration cant be maintained by the body.

2. Type 2 diabetes is much more common in people who are both overweight and obese; diet therefore a key aspect to consider. As the body can’t produce/use insulin, it is important to control sugar consumption to avoid high blood glucose concentrations. In general someone with type 2 diabetes should aim to eat a diet low in fat, salt and sugar and high in fibre and with plenty of fruit and vegetables. A well balanced diet will aid in both losing weight which will then help to lower blood glucose concentrations.

3. The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be done through initial noticeable symptoms such as excessive passing of urine, constant thirst, tiredness blurred vision and itchy skin around your genitals or regular infections. If these symptoms are present then tests such as the ‘fasting glucose test’ and the ‘glucose tolerance test’ can be done. Firstly the fasting glucose test is when you can’t consume food for a period of 8-10 hours before having blood drawn and tested. The procedure for the glucose tolerance test is slightly more complex. A fasting blood glucose is usually taken first to establish a baseline level. Then you are given a drink that contains 75 grams of glucose. Two hours later another blood sample is drawn to check your glucose level. If your blood glucose is under 140 mg/dl, then your glucose tolerance is considered normal. If it is 140 mg/dl to 200 mg/dl, then you have impaired glucose tolerance or prediabetes. If your glucose is over 200 mg/dl then a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.

4. People with diabetes need to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels in order to detect changes in glucose level that could lead to hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia so as to control the disease.  Currently, such monitoring is done using finger-prick blood samples and a portable meter several times a day.  Biosensors are also being developed to measure blood glucose levels.  Glucose oxidase is one of the possible enzymes that a biosensor can use.  Biosensors work by keeping track of the number of electrons that pass through the enzyme by connecting it to an electrode and measuring the resultant charge.

5. The numbers of people with type 2 diabetes is rising significantly; the main cause is people who are obese or overweight. The reasons that attribute to being overweight also attribute to having diabetes; lack of exercise, smoking, consuming alcohol and a poor diet. In modern society people are becoming less active due to technology, many try to minimise physical activity and intake a poor diet which increase chances of getting type 2 diabetes. There is also an element of heritage involved in the risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. If you’re from African-Caribbean, South-Asian or Hispanic origin the chances are higher. There are currently 3 million people in the UK with diabetes, 95% of which are thought to have type 2 diabetes. Although type 2 is easier to control than type 1, (balanced diet and exercise) it makes up far more of the total. The total figure of 3 million is expected to increase considerably in the next 10 years and diabetes will continue to affect more of the population.

6. Sources used:

‘Bio Factsheet’ by  

‘What is Diabetes?’ article by Sean Hargrave

‘Simple steps to a healthier life’ supplement from Mediaplanet in The Times

‘Obesity fuelling global diabetes pandemic’ article by Sean Hargrave

‘Diabetes hitting developing countries’ supplement from Mediaplanet in The Times