Introduction Diabetes occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood becomes higher than normal. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar absorb from the bloodstream into the bodies cells. When the pancreas fails to produce enough or any insulin the glucose can build up in your blood. There are two types of diabetes:- Type 1 - (often known as insulin dependant diabetes) this is where the body produces none or virtually no insulin. Type 2 – (often known as maturity onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes) this usually occurs in people over the age of 40 and is more common in overweight people. With type 2 diabetes your body still produces insulin but not enough for your bodies needs. This can often be controlled by diet alone. Some common symptoms of diabetes are:- • passing more urine than normal • severe thirst and a dry mouth • weight loss • tiredness Diabetes is becoming a more common occurance due to many factors, one of which seems to be poor diet. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes but have any of the above symptoms an appointment with your doctor is well advised. Failure to act can lead to other serious health problems, even death. Your doctor should have a monitor which requires a small pinprick of blood from your finger. The experience is quick and painless. If you have been diagnosed you should have received advice on diet which is vitally important to your new way of life. It is important to maintain a low sugar, low fat diet that is high in fibre. Generally a vegan diet fits perfectly. Some people may be thinking that a vegan diet is too difficult for them but with a few changes it is easily possible to have a tasty, very nutritious diet with alternatives to meats, fish, dairy, chocolate and more. You may just want to try some vegan foods and accommodate these into your current diet. Having these extra options can make the transition to your condition that much easier.