Why do we eat & what is diabetes?

We eat to obtain nutrients. This happens through the following process:

• The breakdown of food into glucose begins in the mouth, where the food mixes with saliva.
• From here it travels down the food pipe (which is called the oesophagus) and into the stomach, where it is broken down further.
• The stomach breaks down food into smaller pieces.
• After about six hours, food passes into the small intestine. Here the nutrients in the food are absorbed. This includes vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
• Nutrient-rich blood moves to the liver. The liver filters out waste products. The liver helps control how nutrients flow to the rest of the body, and how many nutrients will be stored.
• Food moves into the large intestine. This is the last area where water and minerals can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Any food left gets harder and forms stool. This moves out of the body via the rectum.

Diabetes is where there is too much glucose in the blood.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1 and Type 2.

How common is it?

Diabetes is common. You are not alone.

• 3.8 million people in the UK have diabetes. The number is growing all the time.
• By 2025 there will be five million people in the UK with diabetes.
• About 85% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.

What causes Type 2 Diabetes?

It is caused by insulin resistance or the body making less insulin.

How serious is it?

It can be serious. It cannot be cured. You have it for life. It can cause problems with your eyes, feet, kidneys, and heart. But do not despair! Think of it as a useful wake up call for you to start taking better care of your health. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled. EMPOWER T2n will help you with this.

How can we manage it?

Your blood glucose levels can be managed with simple changes to your diet and activity levels. These small changes over time make a big difference. You may need to take tablets in the future. You may also need to inject other medicines.