What is it
Diabetes is a life-long condition caused when the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too high because the body can’t use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone produced by the body to convert glucose into energy. In diabetes there is not enough insulin or it does not work properly leaving high levels of glucose in the blood. If left untreated it can lead to serious health complications.
Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 is caused where the body does not produce insulin and
- Affects about 10% of people with diabetes
- Usually affects children and young adults
- Is not preventable and has no known cause
- Is not related to being overweight
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 is caused where the body does not make enough insulin or it does not function properly
- Affects about 90% of people with diabetes
- Usually affect adults
- There is a gradual development of symptoms
- Likelihood of developing is influenced by family history, age, ethnic background
- Being overweight is a risk factor
Resources
For more information on types of Diabetes, visit:
Pre-Diabetes
Pre-diabetes is a diagnosis given when your blood tests shows a little bit too much glucose in your blood but not enough to diagnose you with diabetes.
If you’re diagnosed with pre-diabetes, making some significant changes to your diet and lifestyle can prevent you from developing diabetes.
The National Diabetes Prevention Programme is a nine month course specifically designed to help you reduce your risk developing Type 2 diabetes. To discuss enrolment, get in touch with a health care professional.
Resources
To learn more, download National Diabetes Prevention Programme guide.
Diet and Lifestyle
When managing your diabetes, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Here are some ideas to get you started.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to start exercising, perhaps start with regular walks with people from your community.
Resources
Medication
Medication doesn’t just mean insulin.
Often in the early stages, diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise alone.
Depending on the type of diabetes you have and the severity of your condition, medication can come in the form of tablets or injections.
Resources
To explore the various types of treatments and when they can be used, visit Diabetes.org.uk https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Diabetes-the-basics/Diabetes-treatments/
Wellbeing
Sometimes managing long term conditions can be an emotional as well as physical challenge. If you find yourself feeling this way, please remember that you’re not alone.
If you’re having emotional difficulties, feeling low, stressed or anxious, please book an appointment with your diabetes nurse, doctor, or physician associate. They will be more than willing to discuss your situation with you.
Resources
Younger People
There’s a lot of information and advice out there but maybe you don’t feel it caters to you.
Resources
If you are 14 years old or over, you may find these podcasts (https://www.nnuh.nhs.uk/our-services/our-hospitals/jennylind/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/diabetes/young-people-with-diabetes/) useful, they discuss a range of issues and challenges young people sometimes face.
Downloadable Documents
Shotfield Medical Practice leaflet to aid understanding or treatment options for Type 2 Diabetics