Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the body is not able to break down sugars in the food you eat, normally used for energy, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

High blood sugar levels have a detrimental effect on the body and in the longer term will damage organs in the body, particularly eyes, nerves, heart and kidneys.

During the normal digestive process carbohydrates (potatoes, pasta, rice etc) get broken down into glucose (sugar). When the glucose gets absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream, it needs a “key” to help it get into the cells to be used for energy. This “key” is insulin.

Insulin is produced in the pancreas, just behind your stomach, but in diabetes either your pancreas does not make enough or any insulin (Type 1) or the pancreas does make insulin but does not have sufficient effect on the cells (Type 2). If the glucose cannot enter the cells, it stays in the bloodstream.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, where the body’s immunity attacks its own normal system. In this case it attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type can also have a genetic link. Type 2 can come with age, and the pancreas works less efficiently.

There are a number of symptoms although not everyone has all of them. Symptoms can include: increased thirst and dry mouth, frequent urination, unplanned weight loss, wounds that are slow to heal, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, lethargy/fatigue, blurred vision.

Possible effects include circulatory problems including high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, high cholesterol, narrowing of the arteries. Nerve damage (neuropathy) causing numbness or tingling in fingers or toes, which can spread up the feet/legs or hands/arms. Kidney damage (nephropathy) which, if serious enough, could eventually require dialysis. Eye damage (retinopathy) is caused by the blood vessels in and behind the eyes becoming hardened and damaged. This can increase the likelihood of cataracts and glaucoma.

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests. A fasting blood glucose blood test is taken after an 8 hour period of no food or drink). Another blood test (HbA1c) gives an average reading of blood sugar levels over the last 2 to 3 months

Treatment is available through regulated nutrition, exercise and medication.

Diabetes has quadrupled over the past 30 years so taking control is more important than ever.

Reflexology helps to control hormone levels and metabolism. Stimulating the pituitary gland helps with metabolism and blood sugar levels, pineal gland controls production of insulin, and thyroid gland controls metabolism.