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Conditions

Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes affects over 2 million people in the UK alone and many more worldwide. It has been a recognised condition for many thousands of years and was known as the ‘pissing evil’ in the 17th century, owing to the amount of sugar that was lost when urinating. It occurs when the body can’t utilise glucose (sugar) properly, either due to the lack of insulin in the body or the body not being able to utilise the insulin it has available. There are two types of diabetes, the most common is type 2 which affects 75% of UK sufferers and can normally be managed with dietary control, but the more serious is type 1 which usually involves needing regular insulin injections. The organ responsible for managing insulin is the pancreas, and type 1 diabetes is normally caused by its destruction or failure to function. For type 2 diabetes it is often a problem with the wider bodies sensors and receptors that fail to respond correctly to the production of insulin.

If your child is suffering from diabetes, then read our condition guide especially for parents on the Embarrassing Bodies: Kids website.

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I have had continuous thrush infections for the past year, i treat it and then it goes but returns within a week or so. I have also started to get pins & needles in my feet and have been told these may be linked, is this correct?





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Hi, I have felt unwell for a few months now. It started off with a kidney infection and since that cleared up a couple of months ago I seem to still be going to the toilet more frequently, have intermittent diarrhoea and constipation and seem to be constantly tired and lethargic. I have been tested for B12 deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia and diabetes previously and these all came back negative. Recently my lower abdomen very low down has been getting quite sharp intermittent pains but is not painful when I urinate. Any help would be appreciated. Nicky.





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Can anyone in the medical [ractice help me please. I have type 2 diabetes, of which is tablet controlled. It doesnt affect work, or daily routines. Im am too embarassed to speak to the doctor on this.. Over the lst year and a bit, i have and so has my wife, that my penis size has reduced by about 2-3 inches.. and also it has an upward bend now.. This is causing massive problems and frustration in the bedroom activity, and usually causes a total failure on my behlaf and loss of interest. can anyone advise or help with details as to why theese 2 things have happened, and how it can be either corrected or be improved soon.? As its really getting me down and angry each time.!! Thanks help and replys. Alan





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hi.I feel like a sugar monster.my reason is first thing in the morning i need sugar. eg sweets,sugar on my ceral,sweet drinks etc.I can't seem to get moving till i have had some.I cannot stick to a diet as for the first couple of days i'm fine then i crash .I an over weight,unfit and in my late 30's..Have started swimming twice a week. many thanks Poppy





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I'm 24 and have had type 1 diabetes since I was 12. My hba1c has never been below 10,and most days my sugar levels start at about 25-30. I still struggle to look after my diabetes and it is already starting to affect my eyes and kidneys!!I am also suffering from depression because of my diabetes!!I've heard that a pancreas transplant can get rid of my diabetes,does anyone know if this is true because at this rate I don't think I'm going to live past 30!!





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im 13 year old i'm not fat but im unhealthy and do eat alot. i do have quite a bit of fat around and on my stomace when im siting i do have three rolls, i would like to go on a diet but i do worry if i will have diabetes or heart disease later on in my life. what should i do?





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no you do not have diabetes if you had diabetes it includes simptons of weight loss tiredness drinking alot of water bags under eyes going a wee alot and having some infections :( hope this helps

hi there i am 19 and healthy, im not overweight and have no medical conditions. The other day i had a good breakfast. i tested my bm on a bm monitor and my blood sugar reading was 3.4. after consuming a cup of tea with sugar and bicuits my bm only went up to 3.7.as the norm is 4.8 i am intrigued if this can be normal for those without diabetes, i have felt a little sluggish but work shifts and feel i have enough energy.





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my 75 year old mother in law has a bright red/pink water filled rash on her leg. the size from her knee to her ankle it also has blisters on it. we dont know what it is neither does her doctor she has been given 2 doses of anti-biotics and been refered to dermatoligist of which more anti biotics and cream were given. He also said it was to do with her diabetes of which the nurse said no.She also was tested for DVT of which the results were negative, and was told to go back and see her doctor of which the reply was to go back to the diabetes nurse has its a diabetic problem. we dont know what else to do and feel we are not getting any where please help.





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i am a diabetic have erection problems can i take vigra to help me have a longer erection during sex





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My husband is 72 and a type 2 diabetic. He has recurrent thrush on the tip of his penis. He has cream from the doctor but it helps but then it comes back. What could be done about this? I wonder if he is too carb heavy and it is a yeast problem and not really related to the diabetes. Any help would be appreciated as this has been going on for four years. Thanks.





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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