Diabetes

Overview

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood is too high because your body cannot make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar enter your cells to be used for energy.

Yes. Diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide. Millions of people in the UK have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and many more are at risk.

Type 1 diabetes can start at any age, but it often begins in childhood or young adulthood. Type 2 diabetes is much more common and usually affects adults, though it is increasingly seen in younger people, particularly if they are overweight or have a family history.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very thirsty a lot of the time
• Passing urine more often, especially at night
• Feeling tired for no clear reason
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing of cuts and sores
• Losing weight without trying

Symptoms in children

• Wetting the bed after being dry at night
• Very thirsty and drinking more than usual
• Losing weight unexpectedly
• Feeling tired and less playful
• Breath that smells fruity

Symptoms in older adults

• Feeling more tired than usual
• Blurry vision
• Infections that keep coming back, such as skin, gum or bladder infections
• Needing to urinate often
• Feeling confused or 'just not right'

Causes

Main causes

• Type 1: your immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-making cells in your pancreas. The cause is not fully known.
• Type 2: your body stops responding properly to insulin (insulin resistance), and over time your pancreas cannot make enough insulin.
• Some women develop diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes.

Risk factors

• Having a close family member with diabetes
• Being overweight, especially around the waist
• Not being physically active
• Being over 40 (or over 25 if you are of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern descent)
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Go to your GP or call your local health service the same day if you have a blood glucose reading that is dangerously high or low, or you feel very unwell with symptoms of diabetes.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Arrange an appointment with your doctor or nurse if you have any of the common symptoms listed above, or if you are concerned about your risk of diabetes.

Diagnosis

Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test that measures the level of glucose in your blood. Your doctor or a nurse will take a small sample from a vein in your arm. The test is usually done first thing in the morning after you have not eaten for 8 to 10 hours.

Tests that may be done

• Fasting blood glucose test: measures your blood sugar after you have not eaten overnight
• HbA1c test: measures your average blood sugar over the last 2 to 3 months
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): you drink a sweet drink, and your blood is taken over the next few hours to see how your body deals with the sugar

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will explain what your results mean and talk to you about the next steps. If the result is borderline, you may be asked to have a second test to confirm.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed very well. The aim of treatment is to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible to prevent health problems. Your treatment plan will be personal to you and will usually include healthy living, regular monitoring, and, if needed, medicines.

Self-care at home

• Check your blood sugar regularly, as your care team shows you
• Take any diabetes medicines exactly as prescribed (even if you feel well)
• Look after your feet daily – check for cuts, blisters or redness
• Attend your regular check-ups, including eye and foot screening
• Know the signs of high and low blood sugar and tell your doctor if they appear

Medical treatments

For type 1 diabetes, treatment always includes insulin, which you give yourself by injection or through an insulin pump. For type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes may be enough at first, but many people also need medicines. These may include tablets that help your body use insulin better or other injectable medicines, not including insulin. The right treatment depends on your type of diabetes, your general health, and your daily life. Your diabetes team will review your plan regularly and adjust it as needed.

Living with this condition

Living with diabetes means building a daily routine that balances food, activity, and medicines. You will learn to check your blood sugar, recognize warning signs, and adjust your plan when you are unwell. Over time, these habits become a normal part of life.

Lifestyle tips

• Be active on most days – walking, cycling and swimming are great options
• Eat regular meals that include plenty of vegetables, whole grains and lean protein
• Limit sugary drinks and processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fat
• Get enough sleep and manage stress – both can affect blood sugar
• Quit smoking if you smoke, as it raises the risk of circulation problems

Diet and exercise

There is no special 'diabetic diet', but healthy eating is important. Try to keep meals balanced and regular, and watch portion sizes. Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and can lower your blood sugar for hours after activity. For specific advice, ask your doctor, a diabetes dietitian, or a local diabetes education course.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term condition like diabetes can feel draining and can lead to stress, anxiety, or low mood. It is completely understandable to feel this way. Talking to your diabetes care team, a counsellor, or a support group can help. Never be embarrassed to ask for mental health support.

Prevention

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. But type 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, being active, and eating well. If you have a family history or other risk factors, ask your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

Vaccines

People with diabetes are advised to keep up to date with flu and other vaccinations, because infections can make blood sugar harder to control. Ask your pharmacy or GP surgery about which vaccinations are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

If you have high blood pressure, a high body mass index (BMI), or a family history, your doctor or local health service may offer screening tests to check for type 2 diabetes, such as a blood test or a questionnaire.

Complications

If left untreated

• Nerve damage, especially in the feet and hands
• Kidney damage
• Eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy
• Heart attack and stroke
• Foot ulcers and infections that may lead to amputation
• Gum and skin infections

Long-term outlook

With good blood sugar control and regular check-ups, most people with diabetes can lead a full, active life. Taking action early and staying engaged with your care team is the best way to protect your long-term health. Many people with diabetes live into their 80s and beyond. You are not alone, and there is much you can do.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) ↗
• International Diabetes Federation (IDF) ↗
• American Diabetes Association ↗

Local organisations

• Diabetes UK ↗ · United Kingdom

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.