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This Week - D : Diabetes

Types of diabetes

Other types of diabetes

Find out about other types of diabetes on the Diabetes UK website

Symptoms of diabetes

The most common symptoms of diabetes are:

• feeling thirsty all the time
• peeing more than usual
• feeling very tired
• losing weight without trying

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

See a GP if you or your child:

Causes of diabetes

Diabetes is caused by your body not making enough or any of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin not working properly (insulin resistance).

Insulin helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. Without it, the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high.

It's not possible to prevent type 1 diabetes because it's usually caused by a problem with your immune system (autoimmune condition).

You may be more likely to get type 2 or gestational diabetes because of your weight, age, ethnicity, or if other people in your family have it.

You can sometimes reduce your risk of getting type 2 and gestational diabetes by making lifestyle changes such as:

• eating a balanced diet
• exercising regularly
• maintaining a healthy weight

Pre-diabetes (non-diabetic hyperglycaemia)

Some people have blood glucose (sugar) levels above the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is known as pre-diabetes or non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.

People with pre-diabetes are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but the risk can be reduced through lifestyle changes.

If you have pre-diabetes, you may be eligible for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. This helps people make lifestyle changes and has been shown to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Treatment for diabetes

The treatment you'll have depends on the type of diabetes you have. You'll be treated by a specialist diabetes team in hospital or at your GP surgery.

Type 1 diabetes treatment includes taking a medicine called insulin for rest of your life, and regularly checking your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Type 2 diabetes treatment and gestational diabetes treatment includes lifestyle changes such as eating healthily, exercising and trying to lose weight, and sometimes medicines, such as metformin or insulin.

Long-term complications of diabetes

Having diabetes can increase your chance of getting other health problems, including:

• heart attack and stroke
• kidney problems
• nerve damage and foot problems - diabetes can cause damage to nerves (peripheral neuropathy)
• sight problems - adults and children aged 12 or over will be
  offered diabetic eye screening every 1 to 2 years
• gum disease

Complications can develop over time and are linked to high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Managing your blood glucose well and keeping to your agreed target level can lower your chances of getting complications.

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.