What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Needing to pee a lot, especially at night
- Feeling very tired
- Blurry vision
- Wounds that take a long time to heal
- Itchy skin or skin infections
What causes diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes, and their causes can differ:
- Type 1 diabetes happens when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact cause is not fully known.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. This type is often linked to being overweight and inactive.
How common is diabetes?
Diabetes is quite common. In the UK, around 4.9 million people are diagnosed with diabetes, and many more may have it without knowing.
Who is more likely to get diabetes?
Some factors can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including:
- Being overweight
- Being over 40 years old
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being of Black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds
- Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
How can I treat diabetes?
Diabetes can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatment:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight
- Taking medication (like atorvastatin or losartan) or insulin as prescribed by a doctor
- Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels
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How to live with diabetes?
Living with diabetes involves learning how to manage your condition. This can include:
- Following a healthy diet and meal planning
- Staying physically active
- Managing stress
- Keeping regular appointments with healthcare providers
What support is available for people with diabetes?
People with diabetes can access various support options:
- Diabetes education sessions
- Support groups and community resources
- Consultations with dietitians or diabetes specialists
- Online resources and hotlines for advice
Final thoughts
Diabetes is a manageable condition with the right support and treatment. If you have concerns about diabetes, it is important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
