What is diabetes?

Diabetes causes people to have too much glucose (sugar) in their blood. We all need some glucose because it gives us energy. We get glucose in our bodies where we break down the carbohydrates that we eat or drink. Glucose is then released into our blood.

We also need insulin - a hormone that is made by our pancreas. Insulin enables the glucose in our blood to enter the cells and fuel our bodies.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood to become too high. This happens when your body cannot make enough or any insulin (the hormone that control blood glucose levels) because your body attacks the cells in your pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence but it can develop in adults.

What are the symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes?

  • Needing to urinate more often than usual
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very tired
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Thrush that keeps coming back
  • Blurred vision
  • Cuts and grazes that are not healing
  • Fruity or sweet-smelling breath

Type 2 Diabetes

If you have Type 2 diabetes the insulin in your pancreas cannot work effectively, or your pancreas can't make enough of it. This means your blood glucose levels keep rising.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with being inactive or overweight, or having a family history of Type 2 diabetes.

What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.

  • Needing to urinate more often than usual
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very tired
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Thrush that keeps coming back
  • Blurred vision
  • Cuts and grazes that are not healing

What is the treatment for Type 1 Diabetes?

The treatment for type 1 diabetes is injecting insuling or using a pump for insulin every day to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Getting used to life with diabetes can take time but you can still live a normal life and there is lots of support available for those living with diabetes.

What is the treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?

Most people need medication to control their type 2 diabetes. This helps keep their blood sugar levels as normal as possible and can prevent future health problems.

Reviewing and changing your diet is also advisable to keep your blood sugar level down. Some people with type 2 diabetes are able to put their diabetes into remission. This means that their blood sugar levels are healthy and stable without taking medication.

You may have to take medication for the rest of your life and your medication or dose may need to change over time.