Diabetes is a condition whereby the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high due to the body being unable to utilize it properly. The digestion of starchy foods such as rice, bread, potatoes and sugar creates glucose. Glucose is also produced naturally in muscles and in the liver. Your blood always contains glucose as the body uses glucose to produce energy. However, too much glucose can be damaging for your health.

The pancreas controls the level of glucose in the blood by producing the hormone insulin. Insulin helps the glucose enter the cells which in turn convert the glucose into energy for the body. An individual who is suffering from Diabetes is likely to have a pancreas that is not producing much insulin. The result of this is that glucose levels become too high and can start to damage the rest of the body.

Diabetes can often remain undiagnosed for long periods of time; the symptoms by themselves can appear relatively harmless and can begin gradually. Symptoms of Diabetes include:

• Blurry vision
• Increased fatigue
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unusual weight loss
• Irritability
• Slow healing of the skin
• Dry mouth

If you are suffering from one or a number of the above symptoms it is advisable to contact your doctor for advice.

Diabetes can not be cured but it can be treated successfully.

Individuals that have higher than normal blood sugar levels are termed pre-diabetics. For these individuals it is possible to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, through a combination of weight control, regular exercise and healthy eating.

Type 1diabetes is much less common than type 2 diabetes and generally affects younger people. Sufferers do not produce sufficient insulin levels in their body and consequently blood glucose levels can rise. This rise can cause some of the symptoms of hyperglycemia. Type 1 diabetes is treated by insulin injections, regular exercise and a controlled diet. Sufferers of type 1 diabetes generally take daily injections of insulin as insulin can not be taken orally. If swallowed, insulin will be destroyed by the digestive juices in the stomach and not produce any benefit for the individual.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in middle aged people. Symptoms can have a more gradual onset and are often gained as a hereditary condition from one's parents. Type 2 sufferers generally have higher than normal insulin levels but the body's cells are slow to respond to it and can be resistant to the insulin. This results in high blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is treated through a combination of lifestyle changes including increased physical activity, a healthier diet and controlled weight loss.

The objective of the treatments for both levels of diabetes is to reach blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels as close to normal as possible. Combined with a healthy lifestyle the aim is to avoid long term damage to the kidneys, heart, eyes and major arteries.

Many international health insurance plans will include cover of chronic conditions such as diabetes where by there is no pre-existing condition.