What is Diabetes ?
Diabetes is a disease in which the amount of glucose (sugars) in the blood is too high. This occurs when the body does not produce enough of, or cannot properly use, the hormone insulin. Insulin enables glucose from the blood to enter cells which use it for energy.
Type I diabetes: can occur in children and adults and happens when the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Eventually no insulin or very little insulin is produced.
Type II diabetes: is the most common form of diabetes and is usually found in adults but is occurring in younger people, even in some children. It occurs when the body is not making enough insulin or when the body's cells become resistant to insulin and the insulin produced is ineffective.
Healthcare professionals involved in the management of diabetes include:
- diabetes specialists or diabetologists - doctors who are specialised in diabetes care
- diabetes nurse specialists (DNS)
- dietitians
- podiatrists
- health psychologists
Diabetes Services Provided by Counties Manukau Health
Diabetes clinics are held at multiple locations as shown below.