Email: info@belizediabetes.org

Tel Main:

President: Mr. Anthony Castillo -  610-2158

Vice President: Ms. Sharon Fraser -610-0071

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that arises when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas, to regulate the amount of glucose (SUGAR) in the blood.

Types of Diabetes

·         Type 1

·         Type 2

·         Gestational

·         Others

Type 1

It’s commonly diagnosed in children and young adults (these persons must be given insulin injection in order to control their blood sugar). This condition is also referred to as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2

Adult onset, the body does not make enough insulin. This condition was primarily common in adults. Now, there are a growing number of children and adolescents developing the condition.

These persons can control their blood sugar with diet, exercise, oral medication and monitoring; however, some may require insulin.

Gestational

Starts in some women when they get pregnant. The condition usually goes away when the baby is born. Approximately 5 – 10% of these persons will develop permanent diabetes later in life.

Other Types of Diabetes

There are also persons who develop diabetes due to illness or accident which cause harm to their pancreas.

Symptoms of Diabetes

·         Increased thirst

·         Frequent urination

·         Blurred vision

·         Feeling tired most of the time

·         Losing weight

·         Having sores and cuts that are slow to heal

·         Numbness and tingling in hands and feet

·         Frequent infection (urinary tract and vaginal infections, boils, etc).

Manage Your Diabetes

·         Exercise regularly

·         Eat a healthy diet

·         Wear appropriate shoes

·         Take medication, prescribed by your doctor

·         If overweight, lose weight

·         Monitor blood sugar

Risk for Diabetes

·         Family history

·         Overweight

·         Physical inactivity

·         Smoking

·         History of gestational diabetes

·         Belong to a high risk or racial group

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