Diabetes

Diabetes is a common life-long condition affecting over 3 million people in the UK. If you have diabetes your body is unable to respond to or else can't produce the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and allows glucose (blood sugar) to enter the body's cells to be used for fuel (energy). If you have diabetes you may need insulin injections or other treatments to prevent glucose levels in your bloodstream from becoming too high.

How will diabetes be treated in the future?

Many people with type 1 diabetes rely on insulin pump therapy to keep their blood glucose levels safe. To do this they must frequently check the sensor and adjust the pump's output. If glucose levels get too high they risk future complications such as blindness and kidney failure. If glucose levels drop too low they risk hypoglycemia (causing confusion and loss of consciousness). In the future, conventional insulin pumps are likely to be replaced with the artificial pancreas - this is an automated system that simulates the normal pancreas by continuously adapting insulin delivery based on changes in glucose levels. In trials, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the artificial pancreas improved glucose control by 15% and significantly reduces the risk of hypoglycemia compared to conventional pumps.

What is the association between waist size and diabetes?

A recent Ipsos MORI survey, commissioned by Diabetes UK and Bupa, found that 63% or people had no idea that having a large waist increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes UK defines a large waist as 31.5 inches or over for women and 35 inches and over for men. According to the charity, having a waist size of 31.5 inches or over for women; 35 inches or over for Asian men and 37 inches or over for white and black men, increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes significantly. It's a good reason to get out your tape measure. If you don't like what it reveals then take action. Cardiovascular exercise and strength training can help you burn off excess fat around your middle.