Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. This is because your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin that is produced does not work properly. 

Who is at Risk of diabetes?  

• People over 40, or over 25 and African-Caribbean, Asian or from a minority ethnic group
• People with a close family member who has type 2 diabetes
• People who are overweight or who have a large waist size
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome who are overweight
• Women who've had diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes)​

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a condition where your body cannot make a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. Without insulin the the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high. If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll need to take insulin every day to manage your blood glucose levels. 

Although there is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes, it can be managed by checking your blood glucose regularly, tracking what you eat and drink, and adjusting how much insuin you take. 

Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

The most common symptoms of type 1 diatebes are:

• urinating more frequently that usual
• feeling very thirsty
• feeling very tired
• losing weight quickly without trying to

Other symtoms include:

• blurred vision
• breath that smells sweet or fruity (like nail polish remover or pear drop sweets)
• cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
• getting frequent infections, such as thrush

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

When you're first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you will be treated in hospital by a specialist diabetes team. They will show you how to treat and manage your condition once you leave the hospital. 

The main treatment for type 1 diabetes is taking a medicine called insulin to manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels. 

To stay well, you will need to try to keep your blood glucose levels within a target range. You'll be taught how to do this by checking your blood glucose regularly and adjusting your insulin doses. 

Get Support

Diabetes UK has a free helpline that's open from 9am - 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

Their trained advisors can help anyone with diabetes and their family and friends.

Call: 0345 123 2399

Email: [email protected]

For more information regarding type 1 diabetes, please visit www.nhs.uk/type1diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to become too high. It is a long term condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups. Type 2 diabetes is caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin.. It's often linked to being overweight or inctive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes. 

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because they may not always notice any symptoms. 

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

• urinating more frequently than usual
• feeling thirsty all the time
• feeling very tired
• losing weight without trying to
• itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
• cuts or wounds that take longer to heal
• blurred vision

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Most people need medicine to control their type 2 diabetes. This helps keep your blood sugar level as normal as possible to prevent health problems. You may have to take it for the rest of your life, although your medicine or dose may need to change over time.  

You will usually be offered a medicine called metformin first, but you may need to take extra medicines or a different medicne such as insulin, if:

• metformin is not suitable for you
• treatment is not keeping your blood sugar levels below your target
• you have other health problems, such as heart problems or kidney problems.

Your GP or diabetes nurse will recomment the medicines most suitable for you. 

For more information regarding type 2 diabetes, please visit www.nhs.uk/type2diabetes 

Living with Diabetes 

It is vital for those with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels. This is done by obtaining a small blood sample by pricking the skin. The sample is placed on to a test strip, which is then read by an electronic glucose test meter. Weight and blood pressure should be measured regularly.

Annual eye examinations are recommended because diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eyes (called retinopathy) but laser treatment can be used to treat this when it's caught early enough.

Regular examinations of the feet and nerves should be carried out.  Good foot care is essential to prevent infections and ulcers developing, which may be slow to heal. You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Studies show that for overweight people at risk of diabetes, losing just five per cent of your body weight can more than halve the chance of progressing to diabetes. However although diabetes is a condition of sugar regulation, specific restriction of sugars isn’t necessary, except as part of ensuring a balanced diet overall. If you're living with diabetes you need to reduce your risk of developing associated diseases such as coronary heart disease, kidney and eye disease. This means losing weight, keeping your blood pressure and blood glucose as near normal as possible and having your cholesterol and tri-glycerides checked regularly.

 

Please contact Support Hub on [email protected] if you are in the pre diabetic bracket and require additional support. 

The Diabetes Support Group meet at the Central Library in Hartlepool on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month between 10am and 12noon.  For more information contact 07818132671.