Diabetes is a life affecting condition which is estimated to affect 1 in 16 people in the UK. Diabetes UK estimates that there are currently 4 million people living with Diabetes and an estimated 549,000 who have not yet been diagnosed.

Associated with high blood sugar levels, Diabetes is categorised as either type 1 or type 2 and can be summarised as a condition where the Pancreas is either unable to produce any or enough of the hormone insulin, or the pancreas is able to produce the hormone but it is unable to perform correctly.

Type 1:

Type 1 Diabetes accounts for around 10% of all adults with Diabetes and is treated daily via insulin doses. Although it can develop at any age, it typically appears before the age of 40 and is the most common type of Diabetes found in childhood.

Type 2:

Type 2 Diabetes accounts for between 85-95% of all people with Diabetes and is usually found in adults over the age of 40, although it is increasingly becoming more common in children and adolescents. Often associated with body weight, type 2 is treated with a healthy diet, increased physical activity and often insulin is also required.

 

 

 

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be displaying symptoms then the NHS recommends that you should visit your doctor if you experience the following:

• feeling very thirsty
• urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night
• feeling very tired
• weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
• cuts or wounds that heal slowly
• blurred vision

 

For further information with regards to Diabetes, including diagnosis, nutritious recipes, the myths & facts and fundraising please visit:

Alternatively NHS Living with Diabetes provides useful tools such as a test to indicate your risk of getting Diabetes, a calorie checker, and a forum for Diabetes discussion.