Diabetes - Your health is your number one priority, aside from wrinkles and fine lines which can be smoothed out, other health issues that give reason for concern should not be taken lightly. Women who want to look their best will need to feel their best for this to happen. Diabetes occurs because the body can't use glucose properly, either owing to a lack of the hormone insulin or because the insulin available doesn't work effectively. The full name 'diabetes mellitus' derives from the Greek word 'diabetes' meaning siphon - to pass through - and 'mellitus' - the Latin for honeyed or sweet. This is because not only is excess sugar found in the blood but it may also appear in the urine. Diabetes is a common condition that many of us are familiar with, however if you have been diagnosed as to having diabetes and not sure what the condition is all about and how it should be treated then fret not because there is so much information out there on diabetes. Diabetes is not new to us; in fact it has been around for more than 3,500 years. Reading up on the facts and figures on the condition it is said that over 2 million people in the United Kingdom have diabetes, and a staggering number of 750,000 are supposedly known to suffer from the condition unknown to them. Over three-quarters of patients with diabetes have what is called type 2 diabetes mellitus. This used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. If you are ever unsure with the pronunciation of medical terms or references then make sure to ask your doctor to explain. The more understanding you have on your diabetes betters the odds in you coming to terms with treatments and symptoms. Diabetes type 1 explained - the body`s unable to produce any insulin. This normally starts in childhood. It is treated with diet control and insulin injections. Diabetes type 2 explained - not enough insulin is produced or the insulin that is made by the body doesn't work properly. This tends to affect people as they get older, and usually appears after the age of 40. As common as this condition is, what you have to remember is that each individual differs in the way they suffer therefore meaning certain treatments or medication which work for one person suffering from diabetes may not work for another due to different factors and the severity of their illness.The body converts glucose from food into energy. Glucose comes ready made in sweet foods such as sweets and cakes, or from starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta or bread once they're digested. The liver is also able to manufacture glucose. Under normal circumstances, the hormone insulin, which is made by the pancreas, carefully regulates how much glucose is in the blood. Insulin stimulates cells to absorb enough glucose from the blood for the energy, or fuel, that they need. Insulin also stimulates the liver to absorb and store any glucose that's left over. After eating, the amount of glucose in the blood rises, which then releases insulin. When blood glucose levels drop, insulin levels drop too. A second hormone contrived by the pancreas is called glucagon. It stimulates the liver to release glucose when it's needed, and this raises the level of glucose in the blood. Insulin is manufactured and stored in the pancreas, which is a thin gland about 15cm (6in) long that lies crosswise behind the stomach. It's often described as being two glands in one, since in addition to making insulin it also produces enzymes that are vital for digestion of food. These include lipase, which helps to digest fat, and amylase that helps to digest starchy foods. It also releases 'bicarbonate of soda' to neutralise any stomach acid that may otherwise - damage the lining of the gut. If you have questions to ask relating to your diabetes, if so, ask them. Putting your mind at rest is the best approach than have a worry or concerns niggle away in thought. People who once were oblivious to the condition are now injecting their own insulin in their own homes and getting on with their lives. Walking, swimming, dancing or cycling is great forms of exercise to help keep your weight at an ideal level and assist in keeping blood sugar levels under control. Avoid smoking - it greatly increases risks of other health problems including damage to the blood vessels. Smoking is strongly related to being the cause of lung cancer. Cut down on alcohol consumption. Never drink on an empty stomach because it can cause hypoglycaemia. Excess alcohol also contributes to high blood pressure and a hangover. Healthy eating is most profound. Regular meals that are low in fat and high in fibre such as fruit, vegetables and pulses (beans, lentils and peas).Cut down on sugar and to have reduced-sugar foods and drinks. The intake of salt should be reduced because it contributes to high blood pressure. Blood pressure levels should be checked regularly to ensure they're at a safe level. Current guidelines recommend that someone with diabetes should have a blood pressure level below 130/80. Blood vessels are easily damaged if a high cholesterol level is present. Because of this you are more prone to developing heart and circulatory diseases. It's important that the cholesterol level for someone with diabetes is not too high; ideally it should be below 4.0. Once again for peace of mind and accuracy on figures you need to talk to your doctor.