Diabetes

Diabetes is where the amount of sugar in your blood is too high. This is because your pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Or, that the insulin does not work properly.

It's important to know that glocuse and blood sugar are the same.

Who is at Risk of diabetes?

• People over 40

• People 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 insulin. Insulin helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. Without insulin the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high. With type 1 diabetes, people will need to take insulin every day. This will help manage your blood glucose levels.

There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. You are able to manage by checking blood glucose regularly. Tracking what you eat and drink. As well as adjusting how much insulin 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 diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you will get treatment in hospital. The specialist diabetes team will show how to treat and manage diabetes at home.

The main treatment is taking a medicine called insulin. This will reduce your glucose levels.

You will need to try to keep your glucose levels within a target area. The specialists will teach you how to check your blood glucose levels. As well as adjusting your insulin doses safely.

Get Support

Diabetes UK has a free helpline. 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 about type 1 diabetes, please visit www.nhs.uk/type1diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. This causes the level of glucose in the blood to become too high.

It is a long term condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change you 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 inactive. 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. 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 get a medicine called metformin first. You may need to take extra or a different medicine 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 track their blood sugar levels. This is usually done by a blood test. By pricking your skin and placing a small blood sample on a test strip. The test strip is then put into electronic glucose test meter. The reading will tell you if its too high, low or normal. You can do these tests at home. You should also measure your weight and blood pressure regularly.

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina. Due to this, we recommend annual eye examinations just to be safe. Laser treatment is available for early caught damage.

You should regular check your feet and nerves. Good foot care is essential to stop infections and ulcers developing.

You can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by maintaining a health weight. Studies show that for overweight people at risk of diabetes. Losing five percent of your body weight can half the chance of getting diabetes.

Although, diabetes is a condition of sugar regulation. Specific restriction of sugars isn't needed. Except as part of ensuring a balanced diet overall. We recommend tracking what you eat, as mentioned. But also watching out for foods or drinks made with glucose. Keeping a lookout prevents accidental eating and / or drinking of unneeded sugar.

Living with diabetes you will need to reduce your risk of developing related diseases. Such as coronary heart disease, kidney and eye disease. This means losing weight, keeping your blood pressure and glucose levels at normal. As well as 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.