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Diabetes
Diabetes is caused when the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin and leads to too much glucose in the blood. The pancreas produces insulin and this is where the sugar moves out of the blood into the cells and produces energy.
General symptoms and early signs of diabetes include, feeling thirsty, needing to go to the toilet more often and tiredness. Over 1.3 million people in the UK have diabetes with over a million unaware they have the condition.
There are two types of diabetes; type 1 is where the body produces little or no insulin. This condition requires the blood sugar levels to be checked regularly as if left untreated a hyperglycaemic attack can be experienced. If an attack isn't controlled it can lead to unconsciousness or even death. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking the cells in the pancreas, causing it to stop or reduce the amount of insulin it produces. This type is usually hereditary but can also be caused by a virus infection. As there is a lack of insulin in the body, it has to be manually injected, usually 3-4 times a day. This type of diabetes usually requires treatment for the rest of the sufferer's life.
When the body doesn't make enough insulin or it can't use it properly, this is known as type 2 diabetes. 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 with over 80% of these people being overweight. Symptoms caused by this type of diabetes can be very hard to diagnose with some not having any symptoms. Whether or not symptoms are noticeable treatment is required to prevent further health problems. The causes are high blood pressure or cholesterol, old age and can run in the family. The way to control this diabetes is not through drugs but through a change in diet. The glucose levels need to be carefully monitored daily and insulin may be injected if needed.
If there have been no changes to your medical condition over the last 12 months, Cover My Travels can provide a comprehensive travel insurance policy with no additional charge.
To take advantage of this offer, please call us on 0800 917 7829 or use our online quote form ensuring you tick the relevant box on the medical conditions page.
