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Conway Business Centre
Waterfront, Castries
St. Lucia, W.I.
contact@stluciauhc.org
Tel: (758) 452-6756
Fax: (758) 453-7668 |
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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in your blood. You may not have enough of a hormone called INSULIN. Insulin is the "key" that unlocks your body's cells to let blood sugar in and give you energy. If insulin is missing or not working right, blood sugar builds up. There are two types of Diabetes: - Type 1: is usually diagnosed before age 20. Your body can no longer produce insulin
- Type 2: Usually starts after age 40, but younger people can get it too. It is often linked to being overweight. Your body may still produce insulin but your cells resist its effects. Or you cannot make enough insulin.
Signs of Diabetes - Excessive thirst
- Frequent Urination
- Abrupt weight loss despite increasing appetite
- Fatigue
- Frequent Infections
- Having sores or wounds that are slow to heal
- Numbness/tingling in the hands or feet
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
HOW DO I REDUCE RISKS?
- Reduce your weight if overweight.
- Get active. Exercise regularly - Thirty (30) minutes at least three (3) days a week.
- Do not smoke.
- Drink alcohol in moderation (no more than two (2) drinks/day.
- Check your Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure regularly.
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